None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
In our recent study we found that ~ 60% of people with MS experienced one or more fall during 6-month follow up and 31% fell 3+ times. This is consistent with previous reports. High rates of falls in MS are significantly associated with poor performance in clinical balance tests, especially stepping ability. There is limited information on balance training in MS. Here, we propose to use an interactive step training system as a home-based exercise program to improve balance and consequently prevent fall risk in MS. The interactive system has been developed by our group and has been shown to have beneficial to older adults. This will be a pilot study to prepare for a larger randomised controlled trial to formally evaluate potential fall-related health benefits of interactive step training system use by people with MS.
Interventions
Interactive stepping exercises on purpose-built stepping mat connected to television. Participants will perform stepping in a random manner as indicated on the screen. Time to complete that task will be recorded (similar to a wii game). Data on exercises will be transmitted wirelessly to database for future analysis. Participants are requested to practice 30 minutes/day, 3 times/week for 12 weeks.
Sponsors
Professor Stephen Lord
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
EDSS = 2-7, stabilised MS, history of falls, no apparent cognitive problems
Exclusion criteria
EDSS > 7, limited English, cognitive impairment, ataxia,
Outcome results
None listed