Gut Microbiota Composition, Cognitive Function, and Physical Fitness in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Condition: Sclerosis, Multiple
MeSH terms: Multiple Sclerosis; Sclerosis
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The evidence suggests that multiple sclerosis (MS) induces a decline in motor and cognitive
      function and provokes a shift in gut microbiome composition in patients. Therefore, the
      purpose of this study is to explore the effect of a 12-week dance class training program on
      the gut microbiota composition, motor function, and cognitive function of patients with MS.

      The investigators will also study the following:

        -  The impact of organised physical activity on quality of life

        -  The impact of organised physical activity on body composition and metabolic parameters
           (e.g., insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, ect.)

        -  The impact of organised physical activity on physical fitness (e.g., VO2max, Power,
           ect.)
    

Detailed description: 
      Progressive loss of lower extremity mobility and physical function is one of the most
      important and well-researched effects of MS. Additionally, there is evidence that MS patients
      have a moderate dysbiosis in the gut microbiota structure compared to healthy subjects,
      whereas recent studies have demonstrated the critical role the gut microbiome plays in
      preserving general health, including its potential impact on neurological disorders and the
      immune system. Even though research is still in its early stages, the gut microbiome may have
      a significant impact on MS. A plethora of physical exercise strategies are available in the
      literature to help MS patients with fatigue, motor function, and health-related quality of
      life. Despite the scarcity of specific research, embracing dancing courses for MS patients
      has promising potential health benefits. Importantly, apart from improved physical fitness
      and motor function, patients with MS may also experience dancing with various other
      advantages, such as emotional well-being and social interaction.

      Objective: This proposal aims to investigate the effects of regular physical exercise, such
      as dancing classes, on the health of individuals with MS. MSDANCE will investigate the impact
      that a dancing class training program lasting twelve weeks had on the makeup of the
      microbiota in the gut, as well as the motor and cognitive functioning, physical fitness,
      quality of life, body composition, and metabolic parameters of patients with MS.
      Consequently, these observations will be compared with those of healthy subjects.

      Hypothesis: The investigators hypothesize that regular physical exercise (dance class
      training program) will improve motor and cognitive functions, with an additional positive
      effect on the microbial composition in patients with MS. The investigators further
      hypothesize the improvement in the following variables: physical fitness, quality of life,
      body composition, metabolic parameters, etc.
    

Intervention name(s): Dance classes
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): A 12-week dance class training program two times a week for 3 months
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Supportive Care
Keywords: Physical Activity; Gut Microbiome; Dance