Enhancing balance in multiple sclerosis with training plus electrical stimulation

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized, single-center interventional study will enroll up to 24 adults with MS and self-reported balance impairment and assign them to one of three groups: balance training only; balance training with functional electrical stimulation (FES); or balance training with FES plus transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS). Participants complete 12 supervised training sessions over six weeks. FES delivers small pulses to leg muscles and TSCS delivers surface stimulation to modulate spinal circuits, and standardized protocols will be used across groups. Primary outcomes will examine balance, gait, mobility and safety to determine whether neuromodulation adds benefit beyond training alone.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Participants will be eligible if they meet the following conditions:

* Confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) according to the revised McDonald criteria
* Age ≤ 65 years
* Ability to walk at least 100 meters, with or without an assistive device, and without requiring rest
* Self-reported perception of impaired balance during standing or walking in daily activities

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants will be excluded if they present with any of the following:
* Uncorrected visual problems
* Cognitive impairment affecting comprehension of instructions or completion of self-administered outcome measures
* Ongoing MS exacerbation or paroxysmal vertigo
* Concurrent neurological or orthopedic conditions affecting balance
* Recent participation in rehabilitation therapies (physical therapy, occupational therapy, or vestibular therapy) within one month prior to recruitment
* Planned or recent injection of botulinum toxin to the legs during the intervention period
* Peripheral nerve damage affecting the legs
* Contraindications to electrical stimulation, including:implanted electronic device, active cancer or radiation treatment within the past 6 months, uncontrolled epilepsy, skin rash or open wound at electrode site, pregnancy, active deep vein thrombosis

Where it's running

• Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-Lyndhurst Center
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.