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Multiple SclerosisNCT07567989

Effectiveness of Home-Based Exercise and Brain Stimulation for Reducing Fatigue in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

A study testing Home-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in people with Multiple Sclerosis, run by Jacobo Formigo at 3 sites in Spain.

Enrolling by invitation

Enrolling by invitation. The study team selects and invites participants, usually from an existing group of patients.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial aims to assess the effectiveness of a combined intervention consisting of a home-based therapeutic exercise program and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for the management of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 75 years
Conditions the study is for
Multiple Sclerosis
What is being tested?
Home-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
60 participants
Where
3 sitesSpain
Study dates
1 Jan 2025to 1 Oct 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 75 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Signed written informed consent
  • Confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
  • Presence of fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis, defined as a fatigue Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score equal to or greater than 4
  • Functional capacity sufficient to perform the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), assessed by a Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score of 3 or higher

Who cannot join

  • Presence of any neurological, rheumatological, or other medical condition prior to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis that could interfere with the study outcomes
  • Presence of contraindications for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), such as having a pacemaker, a history of epillepsy, pregnancy, implanted intracranial electrodes, defibrillator, or similar electronic devices.
  • Cognitive impairment that limits the participant's ability to collaborate with study procedures.
  • Any changes in physical therapy or pharmacological treatments for multiple sclerosis and/or fatigue that are not specified by the study protocol.
  • Occurrence of a multiple sclerosis relapse or disease progression with functional repercussions during the study period.

Trial locations and contacts

3 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Spain3 sites
  • Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña

    A Coruña, A Coruña, 15009

  • Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela

    Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, 15706

  • Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo

    Vigo, Pontevedra, 36214

Other trials in Spain

About this study

Official title: Effectiveness of a Home-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) as a Treatment for Fatigue in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial aims to assess the effectiveness of a combined intervention consisting of a home-based therapeutic exercise program and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for the management of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Fatigue is one of the most disabling and prevalent symptoms in MS, significantly impacting patients' quality of life and functional independence.

Participants diagnosed with MS who meet inclusion criteria will be randomized into two groups:

Read more

Group 1: Home-based therapeutic exercise plus sham (placebo) tDCS

Group 2: Home-based therapeutic exercise plus active tDCS

The intervention will span a defined period, with tDCS sessions applied over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using a standard montage and parameters validated in previous studies. The sham stimulation group will follow identical procedures without active current delivery, preserving blinding for participants and evaluators.

The therapeutic exercise program is designed to be feasible for home implementation, targeting key domains affected in MS such as strength, endurance, balance, and mobility. Exercises will be prescribed based on individual patient assessments and progressively adjusted throughout the intervention period.

Primary outcome measures will include functional capacity, evaluated through the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and fatigue levels, assessed via the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for fatigue. Secondary observations may include adherence rates to the exercise program and subjective reports of tolerability and perceived benefits.

This trial seeks to explore whether combining a physical intervention (exercise) with a neuromodulation technique (tDCS) can offer additive benefits in managing fatigue, beyond what exercise alone provides. The ultimate goal is to develop accessible, non-pharmacological treatment strategies to improve daily functioning and quality of life for individuals living with multiple sclerosis.

Read the detailed description

This study is a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial designed to investigate the efficacy of a combined intervention consisting of a structured home-based therapeutic exercise program and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for the treatment of fatigue in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups:

An intervention group receiving a prescribed home-based exercise program in combination with active tDCS.

A control group receiving the same exercise program combined with sham (placebo) tDCS.

The tDCS intervention will target the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) using a standardized electrode placement, with stimulation parameters based on protocols previously demonstrated to be safe and potentially effective in neurological populations. The sham condition will simulate the sensation of stimulation without delivering an active current, ensuring the integrity of the blinding process for both participants and evaluators.

The therapeutic exercise program will focus on improving muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, balance, and functional mobility, components known to be affected in individuals with MS. The program will be tailored to individual baseline capabilities and progressively adapted throughout the intervention period to optimize participant engagement and safety.

Primary outcome measures include changes in functional exercise capacity, as assessed by the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and fatigue severity, evaluated using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for fatigue. Adherence to the intervention and tolerability will also be monitored.

The proposed study addresses a critical need for accessible, non-pharmacological interventions to manage fatigue, one of the most common and disabling symptoms in MS. By combining physical rehabilitation strategies with neuromodulation techniques, the trial aims to determine whether synergistic effects can be achieved, potentially informing future clinical practices aimed at enhancing the quality of life of individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Being tested
Home-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation, Sham tDCS
Keywords
Multiple Sclerosis, Fatigue, Home-Based exercise, tDCS, Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Medical subject headings
Multiple Sclerosis, Fatigue

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Home-Based Therapeutic Exercise ProgramBehavioural

    Participants will engage in a structured home-based therapeutic exercise program administered via a smartphone application. The program consists of targeted strength training, stretching routines, and proprioceptive exercises designed to address functional impairments commonly observed in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Each session will have an approximate duration of 20 to 30 minutes. Participants are required to complete a minimum of three sessions per week for the duration of the intervention phase.

  • Transcranial Direct Current StimulationDevice

    Also called tDCS

    Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Stimulation will be delivered using a standard electrode montage, with the anode positioned over the left DLPFC and the cathode over the contralateral supraorbital area. The stimulation parameters will include a current intensity of 1.5 mA applied for 20 minutes per session, with a ramp-up and ramp-down phase of 10 seconds each at the beginning and end of stimulation, respectively. Sessions will be conducted five days per week over a two-week period, for a total of 10 sessions.

  • Sham tDCSDevice

    Also called Sham Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

    Participants assigned to the sham tDCS condition will receive identical electrode placement to the active tDCS group, with the anode over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the cathode over the contralateral supraorbital area. The stimulation device will deliver an initial ramp-up phase of 10 seconds of actual stimulation after which no current will be delivered for 1180 seconds, and ending by a ramp-down phase of 10 seconds, The total session duration will match that of the active group (20 minutes), ensuring participant blinding. Sessions will occur five days per week over a two-week period, for a total of 10 sessions.

Study groups in NCT07567989
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Exercise Plus Active tDCSActive comparatorParticipants assigned to this arm will complete a home-based therapeutic exercise program combined with active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Stimulation parameters will follow validated protocols. Participants and outcomes assessors will be blinded to the assignment.
Receives: Behavioral: Home-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program; Device: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Exercise Plus Sham tDCSPlacebo comparatorParticipants assigned to this arm will complete a home-based therapeutic exercise program combined with sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Sham stimulation will mimic the sensation of tDCS without delivering an active current. Participants and outcomes assessors will be blinded to the assignment.
Receives: Behavioral: Home-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program; Device: Sham tDCS

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Fatigue Severity Measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)

    Fatigue severity will be assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The primary endpoint is the percentage reduction in the FSS total score compared to baseline. A clinically meaningful improvement is defined as a reduction greater than 20% in the FSS total score (approximately 13 points). Fatigue assessments will be conducted at baseline (prior to the intervention), at 10 days after the final tDCS session, at 3 months, and at 6 months post-intervention to evaluate both immediate and sustained effects.

    Measured: Baseline (Day 0), Day 12 (10th and final tDCS session), 3 months from baseline, and 6 months from baseline

  2. Change in Fatigue Severity Measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for Fatigue

    Fatigue severity will be assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for fatigue. The primary endpoint is the change in VAS fatigue score compared to baseline. A clinically meaningful improvement is defined as a reduction of at least 2 points on the VAS. Fatigue assessments will be conducted at baseline (prior to the intervention), at 10 days after the final tDCS session, at 3 months, and at 6 months post-intervention to evaluate both immediate and sustained effect

    Measured: Baseline (Day 0), Day 12 (10th and final tDCS session), 3 months from baseline, and 6 months from baseline

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Change in Functional Capacity Measured by the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)

    The Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) will be used to assess participants' functional exercise capacity by recording the total distance walked in six minutes. This test reflects submaximal functional endurance and mobility. Changes in distance walked will be compared to baseline measurements to evaluate improvements.

    Measured: Baseline (Day 0), Day 12 (10th and final tDCS session), 3 months from baseline, and 6 months from baseline

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted5 May 2026
  2. Study start1 Jan 2025
  3. Primary completion31 Aug 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Oct 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Randomized, double-blind, parallel assignment trial
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07567989
Sponsor's protocol ID
2024/103.
Status last verified
Apr 2026
First submitted
18 Dec 2025
Last updated
5 May 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Age, sex, fatigue scoring, treatment, exercise adherence

Publications

  • Linnhoff S, Haghikia A, Zaehle T. Effects of repetitive twice-weekly transcranial direct current stimulations on fatigue and fatigability in people with multiple sclerosis. Sci Rep. 2023 Apr 11;13(1):5878. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-32779-y.

    PubMed 37041183
  • Mortezanejad M, Ehsani F, Masoudian N, Zoghi M, Jaberzadeh S. Comparing the effects of multi-session anodal trans-cranial direct current stimulation of primary motor and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices on fatigue and quality of life in patients with multiple sclerosis: a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2020 Aug;34(8):1103-1111. doi: 10.1177/0269215520921506. Epub 2020 May 12.

    PubMed 32397748
  • Bertoli M, Tataranni A, Porziani S, Pasqualetti P, Gianni E, Grifoni J, L'Abbate T, Armonaite K, Conti L, Cancelli A, Cottone C, Marinozzi F, Bini F, Cecconi F, Tecchio F. Effects on Corticospinal Tract Homology of Faremus Personalized Neuromodulation Relieving Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Brain Sci. 2023 Mar 29;13(4):574. doi: 10.3390/brainsci13040574.

    PubMed 37190539
  • Xian C, Barbi C, Goldsworthy MR, Venturelli M, Sidhu SK. The interaction between metaplastic neuromodulation and fatigue in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Sci. 2023 Jan 15;444:120521. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120521. Epub 2022 Dec 11.

    PubMed 36528976

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Home-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in people with Multiple Sclerosis, run by Jacobo Formigo at 3 sites in Spain.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 3 sites in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Fatigue Severity Measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) (time frame: Baseline (Day 0), Day 12 (10th and final tDCS session), 3 months from baseline, and 6 months from baseline). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07567989, which also lists 4 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 May 2026.

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Clinical Trial NCT07567989 | AzTrials