Walking workouts may sharpen the MS brain — a trial puts it to the test
NCT ID NCT05755061
First seen Aug 06, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a 12-month aerobic walking program can improve cognitive processing speed and brain connectivity in adults with multiple sclerosis who have slowed thinking. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two home-based walking programs that differ in intensity and frequency, with progress tracked via Fitbit. Researchers will measure changes in thinking speed, brain scans, and walking function at the start, middle, and end of the year.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Aerobic walking exercise programs (GEMS Plus and GEMS)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could establish a practical, home-based exercise prescription to help preserve or improve cognitive function and brain connectivity in people with MS.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase trial with a small number of participants, so results may not apply broadly. The benefits of exercise on cognition may be modest, and adherence to a year-long program can be challenging.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Kessler Foundation
West Orange, New Jersey, 07052, United States
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