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Trials
Published in: Trials 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Multiple Sclerosis | Study protocol

Cognitive-motor telerehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (CoMoTeMS): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Authors: Delphine Van Laethem, Frederik Van de Steen, Daphne Kos, Maarten Naeyaert, Peter Van Schuerbeek, Miguel D’Haeseleer, Marie B. D’Hooghe, Jeroen Van Schependom, Guy Nagels

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background

The management of cognitive impairment is an important goal in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). While cognitive rehabilitation has been proven to be effective in improving cognitive performance in MS, research in the elderly indicates a higher effectiveness of combined cognitive-motor rehabilitation. Here, we present the protocol of a randomised controlled clinical trial to assess whether a combined cognitive-motor telerehabilitation programme is more effective in improving working memory than only cognitive or motor training.

Methods/design

The CoMoTeMS-trial is a two-centre, randomised, controlled and blinded clinical trial. A total of 90 patients with MS will receive 12 weeks of either a combined cognitive-motor telerehabilitation programme or only cognitive or motor training. The primary outcome is a change in the digit span backwards. Secondary outcomes are other cognitive changes (Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis and Backward Corsi), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), 6-Min Walk Test, 25-Foot Walk Test, 9-Hole Peg Test, anxiety and depression, fatigue, quality of life, cognitive and physical activity level, electroencephalography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain.

Discussion

We hypothesise that the improvement in digit span backwards after 12 weeks of treatment will be significantly higher in the group treated with the combined cognitive-motor telerehabilitation programme, compared to the groups receiving only cognitive and only motor training.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05355389. Registered on 2 May 2022.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Cognitive-motor telerehabilitation in multiple sclerosis (CoMoTeMS): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors
Delphine Van Laethem
Frederik Van de Steen
Daphne Kos
Maarten Naeyaert
Peter Van Schuerbeek
Miguel D’Haeseleer
Marie B. D’Hooghe
Jeroen Van Schependom
Guy Nagels
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06697-9

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