Studies
| Study Title: | The CircaHealth study – CircaMS: Circadian rhythmicity as a biomarker for symptomatic phenotypes in MS |
| Rationale: | Our findings revealed that circadian rhythms impact pain, neuroinflammation, and certain psychosocial factors (e.g., pain experience, mood, fatigue) in people with chronic pain and behavioural outcomes in mouse models of neuropathy. This has led us to explore how circadian rhythms might affect fluctuations in fatigue and pain in pwMS. Examining daily fluctuations in fatigue and pain, and determining whether immune cell clocks are affected, might help to identify new biomarkers in MS. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that pwMS will exhibit altered circadian rhythmicity in fatigue and pain and this variability will be associated with immune biomarkers and self-reported symptoms. |
| Study Description: | CircaMS was built by an interdisciplinary group of researchers and clinicians based in Kingston, Ontario. Our study aims to better understand how the symptoms experienced by people with MS can fluctuate daily, and why these fluctuations might be important for MS management. We are particularly interested in exploring the relationship between circadian rhythms (also known as our 24-hour sleep-wake cycle) and MS progression. Goal of the study: People with MS can experience daily fluctuations in their experience of fatigue and/or pain. How these are felt throughout the day may vary, and understanding these patterns of fluctuations may give us clues about why symptoms occur and how to better manage them. If you decide to participate, we ask that you complete: A baseline questionnaire (PART 1) on your condition, medical history, general health, and other symptoms. It should take you about 15 minutes to complete. A diary (PART 2) of your fatigue and other symptoms 3 times a day for at least 10 days using our online tool and your electronic device with internet access (smartphone, tablet or laptop). This should take about 1 minute per report (so about 3 minutes per day). https://circams.ca/ https://fhs.cac.queensu.ca/PCNLab/surveys/?s=TAXXJENY8T8WMWHP |
| Starting Date: | 2023-10-17 |
| Ending Date: | 2024-10-17 |
| Who can participate: | people with MS who experience pain and/or fatigue |
| Trial Institution: | Queen's University |
| Trial Investigator: | Dr. Nader Ghasemlou |
| Contact Information: | Doriana
Taccardi 22dt13@queensu.ca |
| Trial Funding: | Queen's University |