Multiple Sclerosis
Conditions
Keywords
Multiple Sclerosis, Mobility, Balance, Core Stability, Physiotherapy
Brief summary
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).
Detailed 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.
Interventions
Individualised face to face training sessions, delivered over 12 weeks, plus an individualised 15-minute daily home exercise programme will be provided. This will be undertaken by a neurological physiotherapist. The exercises will comprise a standardised programme of simple physiotherapy exercises which aim to improve trunk and pelvic stability, lower limb muscle length and strength, and balance and control of movement, as described by Barrett et al \[2009\]. Exercises will be progressed in response to the abilities of the individual. Each participant will receive a workbook with written and diagrammatic instructions describing their home exercise programme.
OTHERCore Stability Training
Individualised face to face training sessions, delivered over 12 weeks, plus an individualised 15-minute daily home exercise programme will be provided. This will be undertaken by a neurological physiotherapist with experience in the delivery of core stability training to people with MS. Exercises will be progressed in response to the abilities of the individual. Each participant will receive a workbook with written and diagrammatic instructions describing their home exercise programme.
OTHERRelaxation
Three face to face individualised relaxation sessions, provided at 4 weekly intervals, plus a 15-minute home programme based around an audio relaxation CD. Weekly telephone contact / support will be provided.
Sponsors
University of Plymouth
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
FACTORIAL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Change in 10 metre timed walk (10MTW) | baseline (pre intervention), 12 weeks (immediately post intervention), 16 weeks ( one month follow-up) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Change in Functional Reach - forwards and lateral | baseline (pre intervention), 12 weeks (immediately post intervention), 16 weeks ( one month follow-up) |
| Change in Visual Analogue Scale (10 point) to determine Difficulty in carrying a drink when walking. | baseline (pre intervention), 12 weeks (immediately post intervention), 16 weeks ( one month follow-up) |
| Change in Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale | baseline (pre intervention), 12 weeks (immediately post intervention), 16 weeks (one month follow-up) |
| Change in Multiple Sclerosis 12-item Walking Scale | baseline (pre intervention), 12 weeks (immediately post intervention), 16 weeks (one month follow-up) |
Countries
United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed