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Recruiting NCT05051618

NCT05051618 Exercise Training for Managing Major Depressive Disorder in Multiple Sclerosis

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT05051618
Status Recruiting
Phase
Sponsor University of Illinois at Chicago
Condition Multiple Sclerosis
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 146 participants
Start Date 2023-04-01
Primary Completion 2026-10-31

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 18 Years
Max Age 64 Years
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
POWER-MSFLEX-MS

Eligibility Fast-Check

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What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

This trial targets 146 participants in total. It began in 2023-04-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-10-31.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of two different exercise training regimens for managing depression and improving other health indicators among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). The project will enroll persons with MS and major depressive disorder (MDD) between 18 and 64 years of age. The investigators will enroll a total of 146 participants. This is a Phase-II trial that compares the efficacy of an exercise training program (POWER-MS) compared with a stretching program (FLEX-MS) for immediate and sustained reductions in the severity of depression among persons with MS who have MDD.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria * Physical confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) * Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) - see below (MINI) * English as primary language * Eligible age (between 18 and 64 years old) * Relapse and steroid free in past 30 days * Internet and email access * Willingness to complete the testing and questionnaires, wear the accelerometer, undergo randomization, and engage in exercise testing Exclusion Criteria * Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ): Exclude if health contribution score of 14 units or more. This assessment is administered to confirm insufficient baseline physical activity (i.e., not meeting current PA guidelines) * Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS): Exclude if score above '2' (i.e., greater than mild ambulatory disability). This assessment is administered as the proposed intervention focuses on walking as main modality for exercise training. The scale asks the participant to describe their walking situation on a scale of 0 to 8; where lower scores indicate better walking ability. * Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS): Exclude if a score less than '4'. The scale measures depression and those with a score of '4' or below likely have very mild depression resulting in floor effects and/or spontaneous remission. * Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q): Exclude if more than one yes/affirmative response on this 7-item self-report assessment. This assessment is administered to exclude those individuals who are at a moderate to high risk for contraindications of injury or possible death when undertaking strenuous or maximal exercise. This is a 7-item self-report tool where more than one yes/affirmative response indicates that an individual is not recommended to engage in physical activity within the capacity of this study. Those scoring more than one yes/affirmative response will be further advised to seek medical guidance before becoming more physically active. * Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-M): Exclude if scores less than 18. This assessment is administered to ensure that all participants can adequately follow directions. The application of the TICS-M is to ensure that participants do not have severe cognitive impairment that might preclude the ability to adhere to the conditions, understand intervention content, and interact with behavior coaches. * MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (version 7.0.2) based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V (DSM-V): Include those who meet the criteria for MDD, but exclude for other severe mental illness (obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar or other psychotic disorders) as indicated by the MINI; these persons would require more intensive mental health treatment.

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Robert W Motl, PhD

✉ robmotl@uic.edu

📞 205-975-1306

Principal Investigator

Robert W Motl, PhD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

University of Illinois at Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT05051618 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 64 Years, studying Multiple Sclerosis. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

Is NCT05051618 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT05051618 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at robmotl@uic.edu for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT05051618 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Chicago, United States.

Who is sponsoring the NCT05051618 clinical trial?

NCT05051618 is sponsored by University of Illinois at Chicago. The principal investigator is Robert W Motl, PhD at University of Illinois at Chicago. The trial plans to enroll 146 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: July 2026  ·  Data Methodology