Balance Training for Multiple Sclerosis

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Wayne State University

Must not be taking: Steroids

Disqualifiers: Other neurological, Orthopedic, Alcohol abuse, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to identify factors that help individuals with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) relearn motor skills, such as balance, more effectively. Participants will undergo balance training to assess improvements in motor skills, potentially leading to better, more personalized rehabilitation programs in the future. The trial seeks individuals with relapsing-remitting MS who can walk, even with an assistive device. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance rehabilitation strategies for MS.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you have a stable medication routine for at least 3 months before joining, so you should not change your current medications if you want to participate.

What prior data suggests that this balance training is safe for individuals with MS?

Research has shown that balance training for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is generally safe. In several studies, participants did not experience a higher risk of relapses or serious side effects compared to those who did not undergo the training. This indicates that balance training is well-tolerated. Most participants also reported feeling safer and more in control of their balance after the training, demonstrating improvements without negative effects.

Overall, evidence suggests that balance training is a safe option for those considering joining a study focused on MS. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about balance training for multiple sclerosis (MS) because it offers a fresh approach to managing symptoms without relying on medication. Unlike conventional treatments, which often focus on managing symptoms through drugs like interferons or monoclonal antibodies, balance training directly targets the physical challenges faced by MS patients, aiming to improve stability and coordination through exercises. This non-invasive method could enhance quality of life by potentially reducing fall risk and increasing independence, offering a complementary option to existing therapies.

What evidence suggests that balance training is effective for multiple sclerosis?

Research has shown that balance training can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) improve movement and balance. For instance, some studies found that participants felt their walking improved after balance exercises. One study discovered that a virtual balance training program was more effective than traditional exercises in enhancing balance and quality of life for people with MS. Overall, balance training helps with stability and might also reduce tiredness, which is common in MS. These benefits suggest that balance training could play an important role in recovery for MS. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals aged 18-65 with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis who can walk with or without help. They must have been on a stable medication regime for the past 3 months and be able to follow study instructions. People are excluded if they have other neurological conditions, recent steroid use, metal implants incompatible with MRI, current pregnancy, or significant depression.

Inclusion Criteria

My medications have not changed in the last 3 months.

I can understand and follow study instructions.

I can walk with or without help.

Exclusion Criteria

I haven't taken steroids in the last 30 days.

I have been hospitalized for depression before.

I have depression with a score of 10 or higher on the PHQ-9.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Testing

Participants complete baseline testing including neuroimaging, cognitive testing, and dual-task performance

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Training

Participants undergo 4 consecutive days of training on a challenging balance task

1 week

4 visits (in-person)

Washout Period

A 2-day washout period before post-testing

2 days

Post-Testing

Participants return for post-testing including dual-task performance on a dual-balance and working memory task

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after training

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Balance Training

Trial Overview The study investigates how people with MS relearn motor skills through balance training. It aims to identify clinical and brain-related factors that predict successful learning of these skills. Participants will undergo cognitive tests, neuroimaging, and train on a balance task over four days followed by post-testing after two days.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Balance Training

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Wayne State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

318

Recruited

111,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10015930/

A highly challenging balance training intervention for people ... The Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale indicated improvement in the way participants perceived the impact of MS on their walking ability. However, ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211034822009282

Mobility and balance rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis Twenty-nine studies (40.8%) had the balance outcome as the primary outcome, while 42 studies (59.1%) had balance as secondary outcome or did not specify primary ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8218582/

Development of the Better Balance Program for People with ... Systematic review: the effectiveness of interventions to reduce falls and improve balance in adults with multiple sclerosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2015;96 ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02870023

NCT02870023 | How Does Strength Training and Balance ... It is hypothesized that PRT will be superior in improving maximal straight gait speed, whereas BMCT will have a greater impact on balance, fatigue, and more ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0967586823002345

Balance rehabilitation for patients with Multiple Sclerosis ... The virtual training program significantly improved balance and quality of life in male MS patients compared to traditional exercises.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10637110/

Safety of exercise training in multiple sclerosis - PubMed Central In studies that reported safety outcomes, there was no higher risk of relapse, AE, adverse effects or SAE for exercise training than the comparator.

7. pilotfeasibilitystudies.biomedcentral.com pilotfeasibilitystudies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40814-023-01265-7

A highly challenging balance training intervention for people ... The majority of participants reported increased safety and improved balance control post-intervention. One participant described the effect as ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211034825001555

Effects of home or community-based strength training on ... The results revealed that, in patients with multiple sclerosis, HCBST combined with balance training significantly improved balance performance (standardized ...