Dynamic Balance Training in Multiple Sclerosis

Marquette University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis

Treatments: Other: Dynamic balance walking training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT04719494

74915

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study will test a new technique for improving balance while walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The technique focuses on having people with MS safely practice walking on simulated, uneven terrain that challenges balance and more accurately mimics walking in the community. The goal is to improve balance while walking in order to improve mobility and decrease the risk of falls. Recently, we developed a state-of-the-art treadmill system that allows us to create a challenging walking environment by placing a treadmill onto a motion base. We are able to simulate uneven terrain through movements of the walking surface while maintaining a safe walking environment. We will use this system to conduct tests of balance while walking and to train people to walk on uneven surfaces. Our objective is to evaluate the use of uneven terrain for training gait and balance in people with MS. Participants will undergo a four-week training protocol designed to disrupt and challenge balance while walking. We anticipate that training on uneven terrain will enhance gait stability, improve overall walking function and balance and increase balance confidence compared to training on a stable surface.

Enrollment: 20 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Participants have been clinically diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
• Must be capable of walking 10 meters independently with no physical assistance
• Must be able to ascend/descend a small staircase (5 steps)
• Medically stable
• Able to give informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• they suffer from cognitive deficits that prevent them from following 1 step commands
• unable to give informed consent
• if they suffer from significant cardiovascular problems, respiratory failure, major orthopedic problems, or other medical conditions that affect balance (e.g. diabetic neuropathy, myopathy, or vertigo)
• Significant medical comorbidity or concurrent illness limiting their capacity to conform to study requirements

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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20 participants in 2 patient groups

Training Group

Experimental group

Description:

During the 12-training day sessions, subjects will walk on the treadmill for a total of 30 minutes. Participants will walk at a comfortable pace while we perform controlled movements to the treadmill system. Subjects will be fitted with a fall-arrest harness and assisted onto the treadmill system. In the dynamic balance training group, we will move the motion base as participants walk in order to challenge their balance.

Treatment:

Other: Dynamic balance walking training

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

Subjects who are in the control group will also walk on the treadmill, but the motion base will remain stationary. They will complete 12-training day sessions.