Effects of electrical stimulation on walking in people with MS
The Orthotic Effect of Functional Electrical Stimulation to Treat Foot Drop in People With MS Under Walking Conditions Simulating Those in Daily Life
This study tests if using electrical stimulation on the leg muscles can help people with Multiple Sclerosis walk better, especially when they have foot drop.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Queen Margaret University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Musselburgh) |
| Trial ID | NCT03410498 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate how functional electrical stimulation (FES) affects walking performance in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who experience foot drop. Participants will walk under various conditions, including normal walking, walking while performing a task, and walking after physical fatigue, with FES applied to their shin muscles. The study seeks to quantify the benefits of FES, which have previously been reported only subjectively, by comparing walking performance with FES on and off. This approach addresses the real-life challenges faced by individuals with MS during daily activities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with clinically definite MS who experience foot drop and can walk unassisted for at least 200 meters.
Not a fit: Patients with recent relapses, significant cognitive impairments, or other musculoskeletal issues affecting walking may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve walking ability and reduce the risk of falls for patients with MS.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown benefits of FES for walking in MS, but this study's focus on dual-tasking and fatigue is a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: For people with MS: * Clinically definite multiple sclerosis according to the revised McDonald criteria. * People with EDSS ≤ 5.0. * People with MS who experience foot drop. * Able to walk at least 200 meters unassisted, i.e without walking aids. For healthy participants: * Not been diagnosed with any neurological disease or have any other condition or injury which will affect walking ability. Exclusion Criteria: For people with MS: * Clinically diagnosed relapse within the last month. * Any musculoskeletal impairment that can affect walking ability. * Cognitive impairments; with a score in the Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire (MSNQ) ≤ 75. * Depression and anxiety; with a score in Hospital Anxiety \& Depression Scale (HADS) \> 10.
Where this trial is running
Musselburgh
- Queen Margeret University — Musselburgh, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Georgia Andreopoulou, Msc
- Email: GAndreopoulou@qmu.ac.uk
- Phone: 07873854432
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.