Eccentric Cycling in Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation

NCT07316764 | Not Yet Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: 2025-416
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The project aims to optimise functional rehabilitation programmes for people with multiple sclerosis. Investigators are proposing eccentric cycling as a new exercise modality for treating these patients. Based on previous results in healthy subjects, investigators will attempt to define the optimal parameters of this new modality (in terms of duration, intensity, frequency, etc.). Investigators also aim to demonstrate the effectiveness of this training (compared to conventional training) in improving muscle function, functional capacity, perception of chronic fatigue, quality of life, physical condition, and neurological and cognitive function.

Conditions

Rehabilitation; Neuro-Degenerative Disease; Neurorehabilitation; Multiple Sclerosis

Keywords

eccentric cycling; multiple sclerosis; eccentric training; neurorehabilitation; physical therapy; neuro-degenerative disease

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Maximal Isometric Force

  Maximal Isometric Force (in Newton-meters - Nm) of the quadriceps will be measured using a fixed dynamometer (Kinvent), at 90 degrees of knee flexion.

  At baseline and endline of intervention (Week 1 and 14)

• Walking distance

  6 minutes walking test and 2 minutes walking test will be performed to measure the walking capacities (in meters) of participants.

  At baseline and endline of intervention (Week 1 and 14)

Secondary Outcomes (11)

• Handgrip strength

  At baseline and endline of intervention (Week 1 and 14)

• Spasticity

  At baseline and endline of intervention (Week 1 and 14)

• Timed up and go

  At baseline and endline of intervention (Week 1 and 14)

• Neurocognitive capacity

  At baseline and endline of intervention (Week 1 and 14)

• Berg Balance Scale

  At baseline and endline of intervention (Week 1 and 14)

Other Outcomes (8)

• Height

  At baseline and endline of intervention (Week 1 and 14)

• Weight

  At baseline and endline of intervention (Week 1 and 14)

• Body fat percentage

  At baseline and endline of intervention (Week 1 and 14)

Study Arms (2)

Eccentric group

EXPERIMENTAL

Other: Eccentric training

Concentric group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Other: Concentric training

Interventions

Concentric training OTHER

Concentric cycling training

Concentric group

Eccentric training OTHER

Eccentric cycling training

Eccentric group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 75 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
• Multiple sclerosis: EDSS score \< 7
• Age under 75 years
• Stable disease state
• Written medical clearance authorizing participation
• Legal adult status
• Written informed consent, with demonstrated understanding of the consent form (via a few specific questions)
• Ability to mobilize independently (e.g., transfers, walking)

You may not qualify if:

• One or more contraindications to physical activity
• Significant comorbidities
• Current hospitalization or undergoing changes in medication
• Active flare-up

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Liege: lead
• University Hospital Sart Tilman, Liege: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Liege University

Liège, Liège, 4000, Belgium

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS; Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System; Nervous System Diseases; Demyelinating Diseases; Autoimmune Diseases; Immune System Diseases

Study Officials

• Stéphanie HODY, PhD

  Department of Physical Activity and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium

  STUDY CHAIR

Central Study Contacts

Benoît Vandenbroeck, PhD Student

CONTACT

+32474271843; benoit.vandenbroeck@uliege.be

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Physiotherapist

Model Details: Participants will be split in 2 groups : one following an eccentric cycling training one following a concentric cycling training

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 8, 2025
• First Posted: January 5, 2026
• Study Start: January 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): October 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Last Updated: January 5, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-12

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

BE (1)