Feasibility of Remote Exercise Training for Hispanics/Latinos With MS
The Feasibility and Efficacy of a Remotely Delivered Exercise Training Intervention for the Hispanic/Latino Community With Multiple Sclerosis
What it found
The trial ended early for another reason (see below).
Reason given: The study was terminated early due to NIH funding withdrawal before reaching the planned sample size of 50 participants. Thirty-three participants enrolled, 30 were randomized, and 26 completed follow-up assessments.
What was tested
Treatment tested
- Exercise Training Program
Compared with
- Flexibility Program
Results by group
Process: Participant Recruitment and Retention
Before, During, and After 16 weeks, pre-, intra- and post-Intervention
| Group | Value | Interval | Number analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental (GEMS-based) | 14 Participants | 15 | |
| Active Comparator | 12 Participants | 15 | |
| Experimental (GEMS-based) | 1 Participants | 15 | |
| Active Comparator | 3 Participants | 15 |
Experimental (GEMS-based)
Active Comparator
Experimental (GEMS-based)
Active Comparator
Values as posted on ClinicalTrials.gov. Outcomes measured differently across trials are not directly comparable.
Safety
| Group | Participants at risk | Serious adverse events | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experimental (GEMS-based) | 15 | 0 (0.0%) | 0 |
| Active Comparator | 15 | 0 (0.0%) | 0 |
As posted on ClinicalTrials.gov. Serious adverse events include any serious health event during the trial, whether or not the treatment caused it.
What it measured
Main measures
Process: Participant Recruitment and Retention
Before, During, and After 16 weeks, pre-, intra- and post-Intervention
Feasibility
Other measures (7)
Lower Extremity Function
Post-intervention at 16 weeks
Visual Processing Speed
Post-intervention at 16 weeks
Thinking and memoryVerbal Learning and Memory
Post-intervention at 16 weeks
MRI lesionsThinking and memoryFatigue Severity
Post-intervention at 16 weeks
FatigueDepression and Anxiety Symptoms
Post-intervention at 16 weeks
Mood and sleepExercise Behavior
Post-intervention at 16 weeks
Physical functionHealth-related Quality of Life
Post-intervention at 16 weeks
Quality of life (reported by participants)
Who could take part
MS (type not specified) · 18 to 65
Show the full criteria
Inclusion criteria
* Age between 18-65 years * Diagnosis of MS * Relapse-free for at least 30 days * Able to walk with or without an assistive device * Insufficient physical activity (i.e., not meeting current physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week) * Willingness to complete all required testing procedures, outcome questionnaires, and randomization * Identify as Hispanic/Latino * Able to speak, read, and understand English * Currently reside in Chicago * Access to the internet and email * Safe for exercise based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
Exclusion criteria
* Not between 18-65 years * No diagnosis of MS * Not relapse-free for at least 30 days * Not able to walk with or without an assistive device * Too much physical activity (i.e. 150 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week) * Not willing to complete all required testing procedures, outcome questionnaires, and randomization * Do not identify as Hispanic/Latino * Unable to speak, read, and understand English * Not currently residing in Chicago * No access to the internet and email * Not safe for exercise based on the PAR-Q
As registered. Criteria can change, so ask the trial team or your neurologist.
About this trial
In the sponsor's words
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the potential benefits of a specially designed exercise program for Hispanics/Latinos with multiple sclerosis (MS). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can a 4-month remotely-delivered exercise training program improve physical function, symptom management, and quality of life in Hispanics/Latinos with MS? * How do social determinants of health, such as income, education, access to healthcare, and social support, influence the feasibility and effectiveness of the exercise intervention? Participants in this study will engage in a 4-month remotely-delivered exercise training intervention that includes flexibility, or aerobic and resistance exercise training sessions. They will work with experienced coaches who will guide and support them throughout the program. The researchers will compare the participants who receive the exercise intervention with a control group to see if the exercise program leads to significant improvements in physical function, fatigue, mood, and overall well-being for Hispanics/Latinos with MS. The study aims to empower this underserved population and provide insights for future healthcare and research initiatives.
Papers
Results
Flores VA, Silveira SL, Marquez DX, Kinnett-Hopkins D, Miravalle A, Sierra-Morales F, Motl RW. Feasibility and preliminary outcomes of a remotely-delivered exercise training intervention for English-speaking Hispanics/Latinos with multiple sclerosis: Results from the FERLA MS study. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin. 2026 Apr 30;12(2):20552173261448001. doi: 10.1177/20552173261448001. eCollection 2026Results
Flores VA, Silveira SL, Marquez DX, Kinnett-Hopkins D, Miravalle A, Sierra-Morales F, Hernandez-Peraza Z, Motl RW. Rationale for a 4-month, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial to assess the Feasibility and Efficacy of a Remotely delivered exercise training intervention for Hispanics/Latinos with Multiple Sclerosis (FERLA MS). Pilot Feasibility Stud. 2025 May 8;11(1):62. doi: 10.1186/s40814
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History
Started
Apr 2024
Main results due
Jun 2025
Finished
Dec 2025
Results posted
Aug 2026