MS Synchronous vs Asynchronous Exercise Study

Yeditepe University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Relapsing-remitting; Multiple Sclerosis

Treatments: Other: Combined Exercise Program (Asynchronous Delivery); Other: Combined Exercise Program (Synchronous Delivery)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07233902

TUBITAK 1002-A 125S054 (Other Grant/Funding Number)

YEDITEPE-MS-SYNCASYNC-2025

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled study aims to compare the effects of synchronous and asynchronous exercise programs on individuals diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Participants meeting the inclusion criteria (EDSS score between 2 and 5.5, aged 18-55) were randomly assigned to either the Synchronous Exercise Group (SEG) or the Asynchronous Exercise Group (ASEG).

The synchronous program was delivered via live online sessions using Google Meet and WhatsApp video calls, while the asynchronous program consisted of pre-recorded exercise videos accessible to participants. Both programs included structured exercises focusing on functional capacity, muscle strength, fatigue, independence, and quality of life.

The sample size was determined using G*Power software based on previous studies in individuals with multiple sclerosis, targeting a total of 16. Statistical analyses will be conducted using SPSS 26.0. Parametric and non-parametric tests will be used depending on data distribution, with significance set at p < 0.05.

The study seeks to improve accessibility to exercise programs for MS patients and provide evidence for the efficacy of remotely delivered synchronous versus asynchronous rehabilitation models.

Full description

This randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate and compare the effects of synchronous and asynchronous structured exercise programs in individuals diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). The main aim was to investigate differences in fatigue, functional exercise capacity, muscle strength, functional independence, and quality of life between the two intervention models.

Participants were recruited according to the inclusion criteria: age 18-55, RRMS diagnosis according to McDonald criteria, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 2 and 5.5, no relapse within the last six months, and access to technological infrastructure (internet, camera, microphone). Exclusion criteria included other neurological diagnoses, cardiovascular, vestibular, or orthopedic conditions limiting exercise participation, cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination <24), fall risk (Timed Up and Go >14.2 s), psychiatric disorders, vision or hearing impairments, pregnancy, or concurrent physiotherapy programs.

Participants were randomly assigned into two groups (n=20 each): the Synchronous Exercise Group (SEG) and the Asynchronous Exercise Group (ASEG). Both groups performed a 12-week combined exercise program (2 sessions per week, 40 minutes per session) consisting of strengthening, core stabilization, and respiratory exercises, followed by a 3-month follow-up period. The structured program included warm-up (10 min: rhythmic stepping, diaphragmatic breathing, shoulder mobility), main exercises (25 min: bridging, plank, squats, seated upper-limb strengthening), and cool-down (5 min: stretching and relaxation).

The synchronous group performed exercises live through Google Meet or WhatsApp video calls under real-time physiotherapist supervision. The asynchronous group followed pre-recorded video sessions and submitted exercise logs weekly; feedback and follow-up were provided via e-mail or phone.

Assessments were conducted at four time points: baseline (D0), mid-intervention (4th week; D1), post-intervention (12th week; D2), and after a 3-month follow-up (D3). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 26.0; normality was assessed via the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Within-group comparisons used paired-sample t tests or Wilcoxon tests, and between-group differences were analyzed using independent t tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. Repeated-measures ANOVA was applied for follow-up analyses, with significance set at p < 0.05.

The study hypothesized that synchronous telerehabilitation would result in superior outcomes compared to asynchronous exercise delivery in terms of fatigue reduction, muscle strength improvement, and enhanced functional capacity.

Enrollment: 16 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 55 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) according to the McDonald criteria.
• Age between 18 and 55 years.
• Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 2.0 and 5.5.
• No relapse within the last six months.
• Access to the necessary technological infrastructure (internet, camera, and microphone) to participate in the synchronous exercise program.

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of any neurological diagnosis other than MS.
• Any vestibular, cardiovascular, or orthopedic condition that limits exercise participation or increases fall risk (Jallouli et al., 2022).
• Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score below 24.
• Timed Up and Go (TUG) test result greater than 14.2 seconds, indicating elevated fall risk (Block et al., 2022).
• Severe visual or auditory impairments.
• Presence of a psychiatric diagnosis.
• Current participation in another exercise or physiotherapy/rehabilitation program.
• Pregnancy.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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16 participants in 2 patient groups

Synchronous Exercise Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group receives a 12-week structured exercise program delivered synchronously twice per week through live online video sessions (Google Meet or WhatsApp). Each session lasts approximately 40 minutes and included 10 minutes of warm-up, 25 minutes of strengthening and core stabilization exercises, and 5 minutes of cool-down stretching. All sessions are supervised in real time by a physiotherapist. The program focuses on improving functional capacity, muscle strength, fatigue, independence, and quality of life in individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Treatment:

Other: Combined Exercise Program (Synchronous Delivery)

Asynchronous Exercise Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in this group receives the same 12-week structured exercise program delivered asynchronously through pre-recorded videos shared online twice per week. Each session lasts approximately 40 minutes, including warm-up, main strengthening/core exercises, and cool-down. Participants maintain exercise logs and reported adherence weekly. Physiotherapists monitor logs and provided feedback via e-mail or phone as needed. The program targets the same outcomes as the synchronous intervention.

Treatment:

Other: Combined Exercise Program (Asynchronous Delivery)