Active clinical trials for "Sclerosis"

Walking can be slow and unsteady in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This study will investigate whether orthotic shorts might help. Orthotic shorts are similar to the tight clothing believed to improve performance in athletes. Research suggests that such shorts help stroke survivors to walk faster. Some people with MS find that similar garments improve coordination and stability. Public funding is controversial because there is no research investigating whether they work in people with MS. This is a cross-over study in which participants will each trial two different pairs of shorts. The first aim is to determine whether these shorts are acceptable to people with MS. Secondly, the study will develop the tools required to test the shorts. For example, by determining which measures seem most appropriate and if specific factors predict whether the shorts might help. The hypothesis being tested is that the shorts are acceptable. People with MS will be invited to participate in this mixed methods study, aiming for a sample size of 16 people. Participants will trial two different pairs of shorts, one of which will fit more closely than the other. The shorts will be tested in a movement laboratory and in daily life. In the movement laboratory, participants will be measured in both pairs of shorts and in normal, loose clothing. Walking pattern, speed and variability will be measured when the shorts are first worn. Participants will test shorts in their normal daily life for up to two weeks. They will complete questionnaires about their walking and balance in the different shorts and record how long they wear the shorts. Interviews will explore expectations and experiences of the shorts and of the research study. In the analyses, data from interviews will be combined with the numerical information gained from laboratory measures, diaries and questionnaires. If the shorts are acceptable, this study will inform a larger trial investigating effectiveness.

This Study is a collaborative project with partners (people with scleroderma and stakeholders) designed to refine an internet program for patients with scleroderma and to compare the internet program to an authoritative educational book (Taking Charge of Systemic Sclerosis [TOSS]). During a 16-week comparative effectiveness 16-week randomized controlled trial, the investigators will recruit up to 250 patients who will be randomized to either TOSS or authoritative book for patients, The Scleroderma Book: A Guide for Patients and Families.

This study focuses on stress, cognition, mood and fatigue and its effect on medication compliance. Medication compliance is measured by the weight of discarded needles. The investigators will be administering neuropsychological testing at baseline and the final visit. The subjects will complete self-report assessments during their 8 weeks in the study. Group A will have additional weekly phone support for meditation, while Group B will have meditation training only.

R(+)pramipexole is administered in escalating doses to patients with early ALS. Plasma and spinal fluid levels of R(+)PPX are monitored, in addition to biochemical markers of oxidative stress.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether Sativex® versus Placebo is effective in the relief of symptoms of spasticity in subjects with multiple sclerosis, who have been identified as having a capacity to respond to Sativex.

To collect data on serious adverse events which occur during extended treatment with Avonex in subjects at high risk for developing multiple sclerosis (MS) and in subjects with secondary progressive MS.

The purpose of the assay is to assess the safety and the efficacy of TRO19622 330 mg QD as add-on therapy to riluzole 50 mg bid in the treatment of patients suffering from ALS, as compared to placebo, assessed by the 18-month survival rate.

This study will examine the effectiveness of two types of group exercise classes on the health and functional status in inactive adults age 18-65 with neurological conditions including Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups; Movement to Music, Adapted Yoga, or a waitlist group who will complete a home-based exercise intervention of either Movement to Music or Adapted Yoga.

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.

This study is designed to primarily evaluate the impact of Gilenya (Fingolimod) on the autonomic nervous system in patients being treated for the first time with Gilenya (Fingolimod). Effects on the cardiovascular system will be studied as well. The study is conducted to answer the question, if, and if yes, what impact the treatment with Gilenya (Fingolimod) has on the autonomic nervous system. To our knowledge little is known about the effects of Gilenya (Fingolimod) on the autonomic nervous system. We do know of rare, but potentially clinically and therapeutically relevant cardiovascular adverse events of Gilenya (Fingolimod). From a scientific point of view the mechanisms by which this is mediated are of interest. Maybe a better understanding of these mechanisms might even be of clinical relevance (e.g. risk stratification). The impact of Gilenya (Fingolimod) on the autonomic nervous system is quantitavely measured, using a state-of-the-art technique. Non-invasive blood pressure measurement is performed with the Finometer Pro (Finapres Medical Systems, NL) under different paradigms (breathing at rest, deep breath, valsalva maneuver, active standing). In addition the sympathetic skin reaction is performed. The non-invasive blood pressure measurements are done by continuous, plethysmographic blood pressure measurement at the index finger, while the patient is performing the tasks mentioned above. By interpreting the blood pressure curve, heart rate and blood pressure variability are calculated. The sympathetic skin reaction consists of measuring the change of electric conductibility of the skin (palms and soles) after an electric stimulus of a peripheral nerve. These parameters allow to assess the functionality of four important autonomic functional systems (orthostasis, sympathetic adrenergic, sympathetic cholinergic, parasympathetic cholinergic). Normative data has been acquired in our lab. Our hypothethis is, that there will be a change of heart rate variability at t4,5h compared to baseline (t0) for the parameter "RMSSD" under "normal breathing".