Combined Motor Imagery and Vestibular Rehab for MS (MIVR-MS)

Medipol University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Relapsing-remitting

Treatments: Behavioral: Motor Imagery + Vestibular Rehabilitation group; Behavioral: Conventional therapy group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07230015

E-10840098-202.3.02-1593

Details and patient eligibility

About

This trial investigates the first combined use of motor imagery and vestibular rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis, aiming to evaluate their joint effect on balance, cognition, and quality of life.

Full description

Multiple sclerosis often causes balance disturbance, cognitive decline, and reduced quality of life. Motor imagery and vestibular rehabilitation are established methods in MS care, but their effects have only been studied separately. This randomized controlled trial introduces a combined program of motor imagery and vestibular training to explore whether their integration provides broader benefits. The study will recruit patients with relapsing-remitting MS, apply an 8-week intervention, and compare outcomes in cognition, balance, physical performance, and quality of life against conventional therapy.

Enrollment: 30 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

inclusion criteria

1. Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Confirmed using McDonald Criteria
2. Patient diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
3. Mild MS between 0-3 according to PDDS.
4. Age from (18-45)
5. Mild cognitive impairment
6. Balance impairment (mild to moderate impairment)
7. Vestibular dysfunction Related to MS (dizziness, vertigo , gaze instability ) 8. Native language is Arabic to ensure clear communication during cognitive tasks and exercise instructions

9. Be able to joined the treatment (motor imagery, vestibular rehabilitaiton )

Exclusion Criteria:

Other neurological disorder, progressive multiple sclerosis Non-MS related vestibular disorders (e.g., BPPV, Meniere's disease) that would interfere with vestibular rehab.

Severe Psychiatric Conditions (schizophrenia, bipolar, etc) Sever balance disorder Sever fatigue Medical instability eg (cardiovascular disease, respiratory, infections, severe uncontrolled diabetes, or severe visual impairments.) Sever cognitive impairment Pregnant Advance disability ( wheelchair , unable to stand ) Use of Vestibular-Suppressing Medications Non - speaker Arabic

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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30 participants in 2 patient groups

Motor Imagery + Vestibular Rehabilitation Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants receive a combined intervention of motor imagery and vestibular rehabilitation. Sessions last 55 minutes, including 5 min breathing warm-up, 20 min motor imagery training, 20 min vestibular exercises for balance and dizziness reduction, and 10 min cool-down/relaxation. The program aims to improve balance, cognitive function, and quality of life in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. Symptoms are monitored to avoid overexertion or symptom exacerbation.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Motor Imagery + Vestibular Rehabilitation group

Conventional Group

Other group

Description:

Participants receive conventional care for Multiple Sclerosis, including routine medical follow-up and standard physiotherapy if applicable. No specific motor imagery or vestibular rehabilitation exercises are administered. This group serves as a comparison to evaluate the effects of the experimental intervention.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Conventional therapy group