
The PrEliMS Feasibility Trial
Multiple SclerosisThe PrEliMS study is a mixed-methods feasibility randomised controlled trial of a point of diagnosis intervention programme which aims to provide emotional support for newly diagnosed people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This feasibility study will enable us to plan for a definitive trial to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of this point of diagnosis intervention programme. The aim is to assess the feasibility of the trial procedures and intervention, and to evaluate the key feasibility parameters before proceeding to a definitive trial. Participants (N=60) will be randomised into three groups: (1) usual care; (2) usual care + Support 1 (MS Nurse Support); (2) usual care + Support 2 (MS Nurse Support plus Peer Support).

Wearable Biosensor to Track and Quantify Limb Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Multiple SclerosisMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a leading cause of neurological injury in young adults. Capturing the extent of multiple domains of MS-related disability is critical for effective clinical care and the development of new paradigms for patient-focused therapeutic approaches. To date outcomes research in MS has centered on clinical exams, which may be insensitive over the short term (the 1-2 years of early stage clinical trials) and only capture a single snapshot of the patient's performance. With the mass production of sensors in the gaming and computer control industry, there is an opportunity to transform the traditional neurological exam with biosensors already in use outside the realm of health applications. The investigators herein propose to use a commercialized wearable electroMYOgraphy sensor (MYO,Thalamic Labs Inc, Kitchener, ON, Canada) for detection of upper and lower limb dysfunction in MS patients. The investigators will determine if the device can differentiate the diseased states, refine signal processing algorithms to create reliable outcomes using this device in MS patients, and determine if these outcomes are strongly associated with patients and physicians reported ambulatory and dexterity metrics. The investigators hypothesize that this digital technology may be introduced in the standard neurological exam technique in a non-disruptive manner and more accurately and potentially remotely detect both physician-reported and patient-reported disability. In the scope of this study, the investigators will also develop signal processing methodology to comprehensively track ambulation features.

Impact of Brain Connectome and Personality on Cognitive Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisThis study aims to apply baseline MRI and neuropsychological measures to predict patient responses to behavioral cognitive rehabilitation. Training will take place over 12 weeks, 1 hour per day, 5 days per week. The investigator hypothesizes the following: [1a] The investigator expects that individuals with low baseline Conscientiousness will experience a lower magnitude of overall cognitive improvement following rehabilitation b] The investigator expects the impact of Conscientiousness on fidelity of rehabilitation will in part be moderated by individual differences in program adherence and executive function a] The investigator expects that individual differences in structural and functional connectome disturbances will in part explain differences in participant responses to cognitive rehabilitation. This study will also serve to supplement the sample of participants for the current IRB approved study ((IRB: 603069, Title: A case-control, 5-year follow-up study of cardiovascular, environmental and genetic risk factors for disease progression in patients with multiple sclerosis.

A Cognitive Self-Management Intervention for Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: Adapting Web-based...
Multiple SclerosisDevelopment and pilot testing of a cognitive self-management intervention for persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) emphasizing physical activity (PA) delivered via web-based video conference.

Gilenya's Impact on Cognitive Function and Thalamic Volumes
Multiple SclerosisThis evaluation will be a one-year feasibility study to characterize the neuroprotective benefits of Gilenya and its effects on cognition and grey matter volumes. The study will enroll 15 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis being treated with Gilenya and 5 healthy controls. Each participant will undergo a battery of neurometric testing at baseline, six months, and one year. In addition, patients will undergo high-field 7T MRI at the same time points.

Physical Telerehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisThe study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the MS HAT (Multiple Sclerosis Home Automated Telemanagement) System as an adjunct to the current standard of medical care for patients with MS (PwMS). The individual patient with MS will be the unit of analysis. For each participant, the investigators will assess the effect of Home Automated Telemanagement (HAT) on functional outcomes, levels of disablement including impairment, activity and participation, socio-behavioral parameters, and satisfaction with medical care as described below.

Reducing Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis Using Non-invasive Neuromodulation
Multiple SclerosisThis study sought to examine the effect of targeted physical therapy with and without cranial nerve non-invasive neuromodulation (CN-NINM), on the walking ability of people with MS who exhibited a dysfunctional gait.

Offering Support and Electronic Resources for Care Partners of Those With Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple SclerosisCaregiversThis study is an enhancement of the Fatigue Management Programs for People with MS study (NCT03550170). The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to test the effectiveness of two interventions delivered remotely to support unpaid caregivers (UC) of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). We hypothesize that a high resource intervention will be significantly better than a lower resource intervention in terms of the primary outcome (UC anxiety, depression, and stress) and secondary outcome (COVID specific anxiety).

Feasibility of a High-intensity Interval Training Program in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis Who...
Multiple SclerosisThere is considerable evidence to support the efficacy of moderate intensity continuous (MIC) exercise benefitting clinically-relevant outcomes in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, persons with MS who have walking impairments (pwMS-wd) are severely deconditioned and may achieve superior benefits by engaging in high-intensity interval training (HIIT), especially while utilizing adaptive equipment, such as with recumbent arm/leg stepping (RSTEP). Of the published studies on HIIT in MS, HIIT yielded significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness in all but one study. In those studies that directly compared HIIT to MIC exercise, the data indicated a potential superiority of HIIT as compared to MIC in improving physiological conditioning in a time efficient manner. However, this evidence is specific to those with MS with mild to moderate disability engaging in cycle/arm ergometry and an investigation of HIIT in pwMS-wd is needed as the feasibility and potential benefits of engaging in HIIT in pwMS-wd is relatively unknown. The primary aim of the proposed study is to assess the feasibility of a 12-week, RSTEP HIIT program in pwMS-wd. The secondary aim is to examine changes in aerobic fitness, physical activity, ambulation, upper arm function, cognition, fatigue, and depressive symptoms as clinically-relevant efficacy outcomes following the 12-week, RSTEP HIIT intervention. It is hypothesized that the intervention will be feasible and lead to positive changes in aerobic fitness, physical activity, ambulation, upper arm function, cognition, fatigue, and depressive symptoms. This work is informed by recently published data, which indicate that a single bout of RSTEP HIIT taxes the cardiorespiratory system significantly more than MIC exercise, yet without untoward effects on walking, gait, cognition, mood, or enjoyment. These data suggest that RSTEP HIIT may be an acceptable, safe, and tolerable stimulus for chronic exercise training.

Physical Activity in Persons Newly Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)This single group pre-post pilot intervention will examine the feasibility and initial effect of a 12-week behavioral intervention, based on the Behavior Change Wheel and Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model and remotely delivered through electronic newsletters and online one-on-one video conferencing, for promoting physical activity and secondarily reducing fatigue and quality of life in persons newly diagnosed with MS (diagnosed with MS within the past 2 years). The investigators hypothesize the proposed 12-week intervention will be feasible based on process, resource, management, and scientific outcomes. The investigators further hypothesize that individuals who receive the 12-week intervention will demonstrate an increase in physical activity behavior, particularly daily step counts, and reduce fatigue.