FIT-ATOMIC Exercise Feasibility Trial
This research is testing a 20-week home exercise program for young people, aged 11 to 25, who have Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The main goal is to find out if this kind of exercise is practical and helpful enough to be studied more widely in the future. Participants will be split into two groups: one doing general exercise and the other focusing on movement and flexibility. We want to see if exercise can improve physical activity, mood, and brain health in young people with MS. This will help us understand if exercise can be a good way to support their overall well-being alongside other treatments.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is looking at how a special exercise programme might help young people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to problems with movement, balance, and even thinking. While there are medicines to help with MS, doctors are also very interested in other ways to help, like exercise. This study wants to see if going through a structured exercise programme at home for 20 weeks can be a good option for young people with MS.
We're hoping to understand if exercise can make a difference to both physical health, like how active someone is, and mental health, including feelings and thinking skills. This study is a first step to find out if this type of exercise plan is practical and if people with MS can stick to it. If it works well, it could lead to bigger studies in the future that might show exercise can significantly improve the lives of young people with MS.
Around 40 young people, aged 11 to 25, will take part from different locations in Canada and the United States. Half will do general exercise, and the other half will focus on staying flexible and improving their movement. We'll be checking in with everyone at the start and after 20 weeks with some tests, like brain scans and questionnaires, to see if there are any changes.
Key takeaways
- This study explores if home exercise can help young people with MS.
- It's a 20-week program for 11-25 year olds with MS.
- Participants will be in one of two exercise groups.
- We'll check physical activity, mood, and brain health.
- The goal is to see if this type of study can be done on a larger scale.
- Participation involves home exercises and a few health checks.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to join this study, you usually need to be between 11 and 25 years old. You also need to have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or a related condition called clinically isolated syndrome.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you have certain other medical conditions or if you have severe difficulties with movement that would make exercise unsafe. You also need to be able to understand and answer questions in English at a basic level (around a 4th-grade reading level).
Finally, if your doctor thinks that doing exercise tests could be risky for your heart or other health reasons, then you wouldn't be able to join. The research team will carefully check all these points to make sure the study is safe and suitable for everyone involved.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 11 and 25 years old?
- Have you been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or a similar condition?
- Do you speak and read English at a basic level?
- Do you not have severe movement problems (like needing significant help to walk)?
- Does your doctor think you are well enough to do some exercise tests?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be assigned by chance to one of two groups. One group will follow a 20-week home-based exercise routine designed to improve fitness. The other group will do a 20-week home program focused on exercises to improve movement and flexibility. You won't know which group you're in until the study starts.
Throughout the 20 weeks, you'll have coaches to support you with your exercises. We'll also ask you to wear a special device that tracks your physical activity at the start, after 10 weeks, and again at the end of the 20 weeks. Various assessments will be done at the beginning of the study and then again after 20 weeks. These might include checking your general health, having a brain scan (MRI), doing some thinking and memory tests, giving blood samples, and filling out questionnaires. Some participants might also have eye-tracking tests. The total duration of your active participation in the exercise program and assessments will be 20 weeks.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- University of California, San DiegoVerified postcodeLa Jolla, United States
- Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaVerified postcodePhiladelphia, United States
- Stollery Children's HospitalVerified postcodeEdmonton, Canada
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenVerified postcodeToronto, Canada
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The main goal is to see if a home exercise program is practical and helpful for young people with MS, to help plan bigger studies in the future.
How long will the study last?
The exercise program and main study period will last for 20 weeks.
Will I have to take new medicine?
No, this study is about exercise, not new medications. You will continue with any medicines your doctor has prescribed.
What kind of exercises will I do?
Depending on which group you're in, you'll either do general exercise training or exercises focused on mobility and flexibility, all done at home.
Where does the study take place?
The study involves collecting information at four different sites in both Canada and the United States, but the exercise part is done at home.
How to find out more
Ann Yeh, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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