Medical Marijuana and Its Effects on Motor Function in People With Multiple Sclerosis

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Medical marijuana is commonly prescribed people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for symptom, e.g. spasticity and pain, management. Unfortunately not much is known about its effects outside the treatment for these 2 symptoms. Several previous studies have suggested people with MS using medical marijuana have lower levels of physical disability and improved walking abilities. A major limitation of these previous studies is that the investigators used subjective measures of motor function. In this proposed observational case-control study the investigators plan to objectively measure multiple domains of motor function, such as: fatigue, strength, and walking ability. No marijuana will be brought on to campus or given to participants.

Detailed Description
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To investigate the effects of medical marijuana usage on physical function the investigators will employ an observational case-control design. Cases (MS medical marijuana users) will be compared to age, sex, and disease duration matched controls (MS non-cannabis users).

Official Title
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Medical Marijuana and Its Effects on Motor Function in People With Multiple Sclerosis: An Observational Case-control Study

Conditions
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Multiple Sclerosis

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Medical Marijuana


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Medically diagnosed with MS, 30-60 years of age, Moderate disability (Patient Determined Disease Steps score 2-6). Exclusion Criteria: Relapse with the last 60 days, High risk for cardiovascular disease (American College of Sports Medicine risk classification), Changes in disease modifying medications within the last 45 days, Concurrent neurological/neuromuscular disease, Hospitalization within the last 90 days, Inability to understand/sign informed consent.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 30 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Regular Medical Marijuana users<br>People with MS that are regular Medical Marijuana users | Behavioral: Medical Marijuana<br>* To investigate the effects of medical marijuana usage on physical function we will employ an observational case-control design<br>|
| Non Users of Medical Marijuana<br>People with MS that are non users of Medical Marijuana | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Fatigue | Strength decline during fatiguing muscle contraction measured with force transducer | Through study completion, an average of 6 months. | 
| Muscle Strength | Maximal muscle strength measured with force transducer | Through study completion, an average of 6 months. | 
| Postural Stability | Timed up and go | Through study completion, an average of 6 months. |