Early Exercise Efforts in Multiple Sclerosis
Exercise as a Supplemental Treatment Strategy Early in the Disease Course of Multiple Sclerosis
What it found
A paper reports the results; we have not read it yet. See Papers below.
What was tested
Treatment tested
- Systematic exercise training
Compared with
- Educational program
What it measured
Main measures
Change in Annual Relapse Rate (ARR)
ARR, 1 year intervention; 1 year follow up.
RelapsesPercentage brain volume change
Baseline, 24 weeks, after 1 year intervention, and again at 1 year follow up.
MRI lesionsBrain volume loss
Other measures (2)
Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC)
Baseline, 24 weeks, after 1 year intervention, and again at 1 year follow up.
Disability progressionThinking and memoryWalking and mobilityExpanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score
Baseline, after 1 year intervention, and again at 1 year follow up.
Disability progression
Who could take part
Relapsing MS · 18 to 60
Show the full criteria
Inclusion criteria
* Signed consent * Definite diagnosis with Relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) * No more than 2 years since diagnosis * Expectedly able to carry out high intensity aerobic training * Able to transport themselves to and from training sessions
Exclusion criteria
* Pregnancy * Dementia, alcohol abuse, or pacemaker * Metallic implants, hindering MRI-scans * Comorbidities hindering participation in high intensity aerobic training
As registered. Criteria can change, so ask the trial team or your neurologist.
About this trial
In the sponsor's words
This study seeks to investigate whether early exercise efforts can expand the use of exercise in Multiple sclerosis (MS), from symptom treatment only, to early supplementary disease-modifying treatment. The study will be conducted in a randomized and controlled manner, with single blinding. Participants will be allocated to either a systematic aerobic exercise intervention or an educational programme on exercise and physical activity. Both interventions will last 1 year, and involve a 1 year follow-up period. It is hypothesized that early exercise efforts can modify the disease activity and disability progression.
Papers
Results
Exercise Therapy in Early Multiple Sclerosis Improves Physical Function But Not Cognition: Secondary Analyses From a Randomized Controlled Trial.Neurorehabil Neural Repair · 2023
Results
Study protocol: randomised controlled trial evaluating exercise therapy as a supplemental treatment strategy in early multiple sclerosis: the Early Multiple Sclerosis Exercise Study (EMSES).BMJ Open · 2021
Results
Kupjetz M, Langeskov-Christensen M, Riemenschneider M, Inerle S, Ligges U, Gaemelke T, Patt N, Bansi J, Gonzenbach RR, Reuter M, Rosenberger F, Meyer T, McCann A, Ueland PM, Eskildsen SF, Nygaard MKE, Joisten N, Hvid L, Dalgas U, Zimmer P. Persons With Multiple Sclerosis Reveal Distinct Kynurenine Pathway Metabolite Patterns: A Multinational Cross-Sectional Study. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm.Results
Nygaard MKE, Riemenschneider M, Gaemelke T, Dalgas U, Eskildsen SF. Spatiotemporal alterations of gray matter microstructure in newly diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients: A longitudinal diffusion kurtosis MRI study. J Neurol Sci. 2025 Jul 15;474:123551. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2025.123551. Epub 2025 May 17.Background
Compston A, Coles A. Multiple sclerosis. Lancet. 2008 Oct 25;372(9648):1502-17. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(08)61620-7.Background
Ziemssen T, De Stefano N, Sormani MP, Van Wijmeersch B, Wiendl H, Kieseier BC. Optimizing therapy early in multiple sclerosis: An evidence-based view. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2015 Sep;4(5):460-469. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2015.07.007. Epub 2015 Jul 17.Background
Patwardhan MB, Matchar DB, Samsa GP, McCrory DC, Williams RG, Li TT. Cost of multiple sclerosis by level of disability: a review of literature. Mult Scler. 2005 Apr;11(2):232-9. doi: 10.1191/1352458505ms1137oa.Background
Wingerchuk DM, Carter JL. Multiple sclerosis: current and emerging disease-modifying therapies and treatment strategies. Mayo Clin Proc. 2014 Feb;89(2):225-40. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.11.002.Background
Elovaara I. Early treatment in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci. 2011 Dec;311 Suppl 1:S24-8. doi: 10.1016/S0022-510X(11)70005-3.Background
Dalgas U, Stenager E, Ingemann-Hansen T. Multiple sclerosis and physical exercise: recommendations for the application of resistance-, endurance- and combined training. Mult Scler. 2008 Jan;14(1):35-53. doi: 10.1177/1352458507079445. Epub 2007 Sep 19.
Loading reviews and guidelines…
History
Started
Apr 2018
Main results due
Dec 2021
Finished
Dec 2021