EMG Biofeedback Training to Improve Balance in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Last updated: November 29, 2024
Sponsor: McMaster University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Multiple Sclerosis

Memory Loss

Scar Tissue

Treatment

Traditional Balance Exercise Training (BAL-EX)

Integrated Dual-task EMG Biofeedback Training (EMG-BF)

Clinical Study ID

NCT06461741
MS Balance Study
  • Ages 18-80
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the impact of a novel dual-task EMG Biofeedback training method for improving balance in individuals living with multiple sclerosis. The main question[s] it aims to answer are:

  • Does dual-task EMG biofeedback training deliver lasting balance benefits up to 3 months following the intervention?

  • Are the benefits greater than those for participation in traditional balance training exercises?

  • Do the benefits vary with the severity of disability?

Participants will receive either EMG Biofeedback (EMG-BF) training or traditional balance exercise (BAL-EX) training. Both treatments involve three 30-minute sessions of the training every week for 6 weeks (18 sessions). During the sessions, participants in the EMG-BF treatment group will perform targeted exercises using feedback from adhesive (sticker) sensors on their arms and legs. Participants in the BAL-EX treatment group will following an instructor through balance training movements that are traditionally prescribed by physiotherapists to improve balance. Measurements will be taken at the beginning of the study, after six weeks of training, and three months after the end of training.

Researchers will compare the groups to see if balance and related outcomes are improved more by 6-weeks of EMG-BF training than BAL-EX.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adults aged 18-80 years with a formal diagnosis of MS.

  • Participants must be ambulatory and report problems with walking and/or balance.

  • Have stable disease with no relapses in the last 3 months.

  • Agreement to not introduce or change the dosage of pharmaceutical treatments duringthe study period. This includes intramuscular injections (e.g., Botox), intravenous,and orally administered drugs.

  • Agreement to maintain the frequency, duration and intensity of physical therapy orany alternate therapies (e.g., massage, osteopathic, chiropractic, etc.) for theduration of the trial.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Unable to follow instructions due to cognitive deficit or language barrier

  • Presence of visual disorders that prevent meaningful interaction with theintervention interface.

  • Unable to maintain stable pharmaceutical treatment for the duration of the study.

  • Unable to maintain the frequency, duration and intensity of physical therapy oralternate therapies outside of the trial for the duration of the trial.

  • Received Botox treatment within 3 months of the onset of the study.

Study Design

Total Participants: 46
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Traditional Balance Exercise Training (BAL-EX)
Phase:
Study Start date:
October 01, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
July 31, 2027

Connect with a study center

  • McMaster University

    Hamilton, Ontario L8S4L1
    Canada

    Active - Recruiting

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