Effects of torso weighting on muscle activation and balance in people with and without multiple sclerosis
Effects of Balance-based Torso Weighting on Muscle Activation During Balance Tests in Individuals With and Without Multiple Sclerosis
This study tests if wearing a weighted vest can help improve balance and muscle activity in people with multiple sclerosis and healthy individuals during balance exercises.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint Augustine, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06981013 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how Balance-Based Torso-Weighting (BBTW) affects muscle activation in the tibialis anterior and gastrocsoleus muscles during balance tests in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls. Using electromyography and force plates, the research aims to determine differences in muscle activation and sway under various conditions, including wearing a weighted vest and with eyes open or closed. The study employs a quasi-experimental design to compare the effects of torso weighting on balance and stability in both groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 to 75 with a self-reported diagnosis of multiple sclerosis who can walk 20 meters without resting.
Not a fit: Patients experiencing an exacerbation of MS within the past two months or those with concurrent neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved balance and mobility interventions for patients with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of BBTW is novel, similar studies have shown that weighted interventions can improve balance and stability in various populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis group: * self-reported diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) * age 18 to 75 years old * able to communicate in English * able to provide informed consent * able to tolerate up to three hours of testing with rest breaks * able to walk 20 meters with or without assistive device and without resting (equivalent to Expanded Disability Status Scale of 6.5 or less). Inclusion criteria for the Healthy Control group: * able to communicate in English * able to provide informed consent * physical criteria that matched each participant with MS which included age (within 7 years), height (within 12.7 cm \[5 in\]), mass (within 9.1 kg \[20 lb\]) and sex. Exclusion Criteria for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis group: * exacerbation of MS within the past two months * had a diagnosis of a concurrent neurological disorder (head injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, etc.) * reported pain that could be exacerbated by external perturbations during standing. Exclusion Criteria for Healthy control group: * Known diagnoses * current pain that could affect balance.
Where this trial is running
Saint Augustine, Florida
- University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences — Saint Augustine, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amie Marie F Jasper, DPT, PhD — Usahs
- Study coordinator: Amie F Jasper, DPT, PhD
- Email: amjasper@usa.edu
- Phone: 904-770-3482
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.