Core Stability Training in Multiple Sclerosis

University of Plymouth

Status: Completed

Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis

Treatments: Other: Core Stability Training; Other: Standard Physiotherapy Exercises; Other: Relaxation

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01414725

10/H0106/88

Details and patient eligibility

About

The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether a 12 week Pilates based core stability training programme is effective in improving balance, mobility and balance confidence in ambulant individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Full description

The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether a 12 week Pilates based core stability training programme is effective in improving balance, mobility and balance confidence in ambulant individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The secondary aim is to determine the relative effectiveness of this 12 week Pilates based core stability training programme compared to a standardised physiotherapy exercise programme. Finally we intend to explore the underlying mechanisms of change associated with these exercise interventions by directly measuring changes in muscle thickness and activation in the deep abdominal core stabilising muscles of a sub-set of participants.

Enrollment: 100 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Definite diagnosis of MS, according to McDonald's criteria
• Aged 18 years or over
• Able to walk independently with or without use of intermittent or constant unilateral assistance such as walking stick or orthotic brace

Exclusion criteria

• In relapse or relapse in previous three months
• Any medical condition contra-indicating participation in core stability exercises
• Score < 6 on the Abbreviated Mental Test, as an indicator of those whose cognitive difficulties could interfere with the informed consent process, or the ability to fully engage in the exercise programme.
• Current or recent (within past 6 months) participation in core stability exercises
• Current involvement in another interventional research study

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Factorial Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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100 participants in 3 patient groups, including a placebo group

Core Stability Training

Experimental group

Treatment:

Other: Core Stability Training

Relaxation

Placebo Comparator group

Treatment:

Other: Relaxation

Standard Physiotherapy Exercises

Active Comparator group

Treatment:

Other: Standard Physiotherapy Exercises