Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026
A Protocol for the Use of Remotely-Supervised Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation tDCS in Multiple Sclerosis MS
Published on: December 26, 2015
Light therapy for multiple sclerosis-associated fatigue: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Farrah J Mateen1, Natalie C Manalo, Sara J Grundy
1Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA.
Bright white light therapy may effectively reduce fatigue in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This study investigates light therapy as a potential non-pharmacological treatment for MS-associated fatigue, offering a low-cost, non-invasive option.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Research
- Therapeutics
Background:
- Fatigue is a primary and disabling symptom for many multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
- Current treatment options for MS-associated fatigue are limited.
- Investigating novel, non-pharmacological interventions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of bright white light therapy in reducing fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
- To compare the effects of bright white light versus dim red light on MS-related fatigue.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with 1:1 allocation to bright white light (10,000 lux) or dim red light (<300 lux) for 1 hour twice daily.
- Participants with multiple sclerosis (McDonald criteria, FSS ≥36) underwent a 2-week baseline, 4-week treatment, and 4-week washout period.
- Fatigue assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale (VAFS); sleep, exercise, and medication intake were monitored daily.
Main Results:
- Primary outcome: change in average FSS score post-intervention.
- Secondary outcomes: changes in VAFS scores and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 scores.
- Intention-to-treat analysis to compare fatigue levels between active and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Bright light therapy presents a potential non-pharmacological intervention for MS-associated fatigue.
- This approach may offer a low-cost, non-invasive, self-administered treatment for a prevalent MS symptom.
- Study design addresses logistical challenges of self-administered interventions and frequent self-reporting.
