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The Effect of Virtual Reality on Fatigue and Functional Capacity in Patients With MS

The Effect of Virtual Reality on Fatigue and Functional Capacity in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06987994
Acronym
VRMS
Enrollment
30
Registered
2025-05-23
Start date
2024-12-01
Completion date
2025-02-28
Last updated
2025-05-23

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Relapsing-remitting, Virtual Reality

Keywords

multiple sclerosis, virtual reality, fatigue, functional capacity, physical therapy

Brief summary

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as a complementary intervention to traditional physical therapy for individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic neurological condition that affects motor and cognitive functions, with fatigue being one of the most common and disabling symptoms. This study will assess whether the use of VR-based applications, in addition to standard physiotherapy, can reduce fatigue and improve functional capacity in individuals with MS. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one group will receive conventional physiotherapy only, while the other will receive VR-based therapy alongside physiotherapy. The intervention period will last four weeks, and both groups will be evaluated using standardized outcome measures before and after the intervention. These include the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). The study is designed to address a gap in current literature, as no prior research has specifically examined the impact of virtual reality on fatigue and functional performance in MS patients. The findings may provide valuable insights into innovative rehabilitation strategies that enhance patient outcomes and improve quality of life.

Interventions

OTHERcontrol group( physical therapy)

Participants will receive conventional physiotherapy 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The treatment includes: Standing exercises: multidirectional stepping, single- and double-leg stance Walking exercises: forward, backward, and lateral walking Weight-shifting exercises: lunges, half-squats, leaning, and reaching

OTHERExperemental group

In this group the number of Participants are 15 . The experment by using VR sessions will last 30 minutes per session, 3 times per week for 4 weeks . In addition to the same physiotherapy program used in the control group, this group will receive Virtual Reality (VR) training using a Meta Quest 2 headset . Patients will interact with immersive environments designed to stimulate movement and functional tasks.

Sponsors

Istinye University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 85 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. individuals diagnosed as MS by a physician 2. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): 2.0-6.5 3. Patient able to walk with or without the use of unilateral support (e.g., a cane) 4. Patient had not experienced a severe exacerbation of symptoms requiring medical intervention in the previous month 5. subjects had to have the cognitive capacity to assure the requisite cognitive ability 6. spasticity up to 2 on Ashworth scale.

Exclusion criteria

* 1\. cognitive disorders hampering the execution of the exercises/assessment, 2. Ability to maintain monopodalic-standing position for 10 s 3. cardiovascular disorders 4. orthopedic disorders that could negatively affect balance 5. uncorrected visual or auditory impairments 6. pregnancy

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Fatigue Severity Score (FSS)Baseline and after 4 weeks of interventionFatigue will be assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), a validated questionnaire consisting of 9 items scored on a 7-point Likert scale. The scale measures the impact of fatigue on daily functioning and is widely used in MS populations to evaluate changes in perceived fatigue.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)Baseline and after 4 weeks of interventionThe Timed Up and Go (TUG) test will be used to assess functional mobility and fall risk. Participants will be timed as they rise from a seated position, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down again. The time (in seconds) required to complete the task will be recorded. TUG is a validated measure commonly used in individuals with MS to assess gait and mobility status.

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026