Effectiveness of a Home-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as a Treatment for Fatigue in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- Enrolling By Invitation
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 60
- 试验地点
- 3
研究概览
简要总结
This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial aims to assess the effectiveness of a combined intervention consisting of a home-based therapeutic exercise program and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for the management of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Fatigue is one of the most disabling and prevalent symptoms in MS, significantly impacting patients' quality of life and functional independence.
Participants diagnosed with MS who meet inclusion criteria will be randomized into two groups:
Group 1: Home-based therapeutic exercise plus sham (placebo) tDCS
Group 2: Home-based therapeutic exercise plus active tDCS
The intervention will span a defined period, with tDCS sessions applied over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using a standard montage and parameters validated in previous studies. The sham stimulation group will follow identical procedures without active current delivery, preserving blinding for participants and evaluators.
The therapeutic exercise program is designed to be feasible for home implementation, targeting key domains affected in MS such as strength, endurance, balance, and mobility. Exercises will be prescribed based on individual patient assessments and progressively adjusted throughout the intervention period.
Primary outcome measures will include functional capacity, evaluated through the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and fatigue levels, assessed via the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for fatigue. Secondary observations may include adherence rates to the exercise program and subjective reports of tolerability and perceived benefits.
This trial seeks to explore whether combining a physical intervention (exercise) with a neuromodulation technique (tDCS) can offer additive benefits in managing fatigue, beyond what exercise alone provides. The ultimate goal is to develop accessible, non-pharmacological treatment strategies to improve daily functioning and quality of life for individuals living with multiple sclerosis.
详细描述
This study is a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial designed to investigate the efficacy of a combined intervention consisting of a structured home-based therapeutic exercise program and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for the treatment of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups:
An intervention group receiving a prescribed home-based exercise program in combination with active tDCS.
A control group receiving the same exercise program combined with sham (placebo) tDCS.
The tDCS intervention will target the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using a standardized electrode placement, with stimulation parameters based on protocols previously demonstrated to be safe and potentially effective in neurological populations. The sham condition will simulate the sensation of stimulation without delivering an active current, ensuring the integrity of the blinding process for both participants and evaluators.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 18 Years 至 75 Years（Adult, Older Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 否
入选标准
- •Signed written informed consent
- •Confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
- •Presence of fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis, defined as a fatigue Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score equal to or greater than 4
- •Functional capacity sufficient to perform the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), assessed by a Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score of 3 or higher
排除标准
- •Presence of any neurological, rheumatological, or other medical condition prior to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis that could interfere with the study outcomes
- •Presence of contraindications for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), such as having a pacemaker, a history of epillepsy, pregnancy, implanted intracranial electrodes, defibrillator, or similar electronic devices.
- •Cognitive impairment that limits the participant's ability to collaborate with study procedures.
- •Any changes in physical therapy or pharmacological treatments for multiple sclerosis and/or fatigue that are not specified by the study protocol.
- •Occurrence of a multiple sclerosis relapse or disease progression with functional repercussions during the study period.
研究组 & 干预措施
Exercise Plus Active tDCS
Participants assigned to this arm will complete a home-based therapeutic exercise program combined with active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Stimulation parameters will follow validated protocols. Participants and outcomes assessors will be blinded to the assignment.
干预措施: Home-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program (Behavioral)
Exercise Plus Active tDCS
Participants assigned to this arm will complete a home-based therapeutic exercise program combined with active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Stimulation parameters will follow validated protocols. Participants and outcomes assessors will be blinded to the assignment.
干预措施: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (Device)
Exercise Plus Sham tDCS
Participants assigned to this arm will complete a home-based therapeutic exercise program combined with sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Sham stimulation will mimic the sensation of tDCS without delivering an active current. Participants and outcomes assessors will be blinded to the assignment.
干预措施: Home-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program (Behavioral)
Exercise Plus Sham tDCS
Participants assigned to this arm will complete a home-based therapeutic exercise program combined with sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Sham stimulation will mimic the sensation of tDCS without delivering an active current. Participants and outcomes assessors will be blinded to the assignment.
干预措施: Sham tDCS (Device)
研究者
Jacobo Formigo
Consultant in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine and Head of the Interventional Rehabilitation Section
Fundacion Profesor Novoa Santos