Recruiting

Exercise to help manage depression in multiple sclerosis

Plain-English translation of NCT05051618 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial compares two types of exercise programs for people who have both multiple sclerosis (MS) and major depression. One program focuses on aerobic exercise and strength training done at home with remote coaching, while the other focuses on flexibility and stretching. The study wants to see which approach better reduces depression symptoms and improves overall health.

Depression is common in people with MS and can make the disease harder to manage. While exercise is known to help with mood and health, researchers want to find out which type of exercise program works best for reducing depression in this specific group of patients.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
you have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder
you are between 18 and 64 years old
you have not had an MS relapse or steroid treatment in the past 30 days
you have internet access and an email address
you are willing to wear a fitness tracker and complete questionnaires

You likely don't qualify if…

you are already exercising regularly and meeting physical activity guidelines
you have significant difficulty walking or severe MS-related disability
your depression symptoms are very mild
you have multiple health conditions that would make strenuous exercise unsafe
you have a severe cognitive impairment that would prevent you from following study instructions

What participation looks like

You will be randomly assigned to either the aerobic and strength training program or the stretching program, both done at home over 16 weeks. With the aerobic program, you'll do guided workouts (30 minutes of moderate exercise and strength training, 3 days per week) with remote coaching through telehealth. With the stretching program, you'll gradually increase your flexibility exercises. Throughout the study, you'll complete questionnaires about your mood and wear an activity tracker to measure your movement.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois