Combining mental rehearsal and vestibular therapy for relapsing‑remitting MS
The Effectiveness of Combination of Motor Imagery and Vestibular Rehabilitation on Balance, Cognition, and Quality of Life in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
This trial tests whether adding motor imagery (mental rehearsal) to vestibular rehabilitation improves balance, thinking, and quality of life in adults 18–45 with relapsing‑remitting MS who have mild cognitive and balance problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medipol University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Beykoz/İstanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07230015 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will test an 8-week combined program of motor imagery and vestibular rehabilitation against conventional therapy in people with relapsing‑remitting MS. Participants with mild disability (PDDS 0–3), mild cognitive impairment, and vestibular-related balance problems will be recruited and randomized to one of two groups. Outcomes include measures of balance, cognitive performance, physical function, and quality of life collected before and after the intervention. The study aims to determine whether integrating mental-rehearsal techniques with vestibular exercises produces broader or larger benefits than conventional therapy alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–45 with relapsing‑remitting MS, PDDS 0–3, mild cognitive impairment, mild-to-moderate balance problems related to vestibular dysfunction, and Arabic as their native language are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with progressive MS, non‑MS vestibular disorders, severe psychiatric or medical instability, severe fatigue or visual impairments, or who cannot communicate in Arabic or attend in-person sessions in Istanbul are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined program could lead to better balance, improved cognition, and higher quality of life than standard therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Motor imagery and vestibular rehabilitation have each shown benefits in MS when studied separately, but combining them is novel and has not been previously tested in randomized trials.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
inclusion criteria 1. Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Confirmed using McDonald Criteria 2. Patient diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). 3. Mild MS between 0-3 according to PDDS. 4. Age from (18-45) 5. Mild cognitive impairment 6. Balance impairment (mild to moderate impairment) 7. Vestibular dysfunction Related to MS (dizziness, vertigo , gaze instability ) 8. Native language is Arabic to ensure clear communication during cognitive tasks and exercise instructions 9\. Be able to joined the treatment (motor imagery, vestibular rehabilitaiton ) Exclusion Criteria: Other neurological disorder, progressive multiple sclerosis Non-MS related vestibular disorders (e.g., BPPV, Meniere's disease) that would interfere with vestibular rehab. Severe Psychiatric Conditions (schizophrenia, bipolar, etc) Sever balance disorder Sever fatigue Medical instability eg (cardiovascular disease, respiratory, infections, severe uncontrolled diabetes, or severe visual impairments.) Sever cognitive impairment Pregnant Advance disability ( wheelchair , unable to stand ) Use of Vestibular-Suppressing Medications Non - speaker Arabic
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Beykoz/İstanbul
- Gehad Salem Mohamed Mohamed Menshawi — Istanbul, Beykoz/İstanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Gehad Salem menshawi, PT, MSc (Cand.)
- Email: j.menshawi@hotmail.com
- Phone: +201040131964
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.