Please select the arm or intervention descriptions that belong to the clinical trial below.
Title: Intensity-dependent Impacts of Training on Growth Factors BDNF and Cognitive Functions in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis - a Single-center Randomized Controlled Trial
Brief Summary: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system, accompanied by varying inflammatory manifestations, demyelinization and axonal loss. With chronic progressive or relapsing-remitting disease onsets persons with MS (pwMS) progressively develop impaired functional capacity and show reduced physical activity and cognitive decline compared to healthy controls. The primary aims of rehabilitation in pwMS are therefore to increase levels of activity and participation leading to increase independence of the participants. In general exercise ranges from passive physiotherapy-based interventions to submaximal endurance training sessions. Current recommendations advise pwMS that exercise should be matched with the individual performance capacities. Exercise training in pwMS then has the potential to target and improve many components outlined in the ICF-model.

Cytokines and neurotrophic factors have received increased attention in MS research and addressed the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as an important mediator of neuronal regeneration linking the effects of exercise with MS pathogenesis. Data show positive connections between elevated neurotrophin concentrations, induction of neuroplasticity, recovery of the motor and cognitive functions and the applied training intensities. Similarly, intensive and progressive exercise bouts seem to have greater benefits on cardiorespiratory fitness and maximum voluntary strength in elderly and seniors with dementia. Therefore, specific exercise prescriptions may be necessary for targeting the specific impairments also in pwMS.

This study aims to evaluate two different training modalities (intensive versus normal) in pwMS. It is expected that both modalities will improve cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive functions in pwMS. Based on the findings that higher training intensities facilitate greater benefits, it is expected that pwMS will tolerate the intensive training intensities and show positive connections to elevated neurotrophin concentrations.

The results will to help to clearer understand the benefits of each type of exercise conveyed for pwMS and will assist in the development of patient-specific exercise prescriptions.


Options:
A: Arm Label: Experimental Group; Type: EXPERIMENTAL; Interventions: Behavioral: Cognitive rehabilitation | Arm Label: Standard Psychological care; Type: SHAM_COMPARATOR; Interventions: Behavioral: Standard Psychological care | Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL; Name: Cognitive rehabilitation; Assigned to Arm(s): Experimental Group | Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL; Name: Standard Psychological care; Assigned to Arm(s): Standard Psychological care
B: Arm Label: Treatment A; Type: EXPERIMENTAL; Interventions: Other: PACR (Plasticity-based, Adaptive, Computerized Cognitive Remediation) | Arm Label: Treatment B; Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR; Interventions: Other: PACR (Plasticity-based, Adaptive, Computerized Cognitive Remediation) | Intervention Type: OTHER; Name: PACR (Plasticity-based, Adaptive, Computerized Cognitive Remediation); Assigned to Arm(s): Treatment A, Treatment B
C: Arm Label: Self-generation treatment; Type: EXPERIMENTAL; Interventions: Behavioral: Self-generation treatment | Arm Label: memory training; Type: PLACEBO_COMPARATOR; Interventions: N/A | Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL; Name: Self-generation treatment; Assigned to Arm(s): Self-generation treatment
D: Arm Label: Intensive Training; Type: EXPERIMENTAL; Interventions: Behavioral: Intensive Training | Arm Label: Normal Training; Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR; Interventions: Behavioral: Normal Training | Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL; Name: Intensive Training; Assigned to Arm(s): Intensive Training | Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL; Name: Normal Training; Assigned to Arm(s): Normal Training

Answer: D