Gait adaptability in people with mild multiple sclerosis
Multidimensional Assessment of Gait Adaptability in Persons Multiple Sclerosis With no to Mild Disability
This project tests how well adults with mild multiple sclerosis can adapt their walking to changing challenges compared with healthy adults using walking tasks, wearable sensors, and questionnaires.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hasselt University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Diepenbeek) |
| Trial ID | NCT07580820 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The study will recruit 16 adults with mild MS (EDSS 0–3.5) and 16 age- and sex-matched healthy controls for a single in-person testing session at Hasselt University's REVAL center. Participants will complete timed motor tests (e.g., Timed 25‑Foot Walk, Six-Spot Step Test, 6‑Minute Walk), balance assessments (Mini-BESTest), cognitive tests (SDMT, BVMT-R), and self-report questionnaires on fatigue, walking, and balance confidence. Proactive gait adaptability will be probed using an overground Walking Adaptability Ladder Test with progressively smaller stepping targets, while wearable movement sensors record kinematics; reactive responses will be examined with appropriate perturbation and obstacle tasks. Data will be compared between groups to characterize adaptability deficits and their relationships with fatigue, cognition, and fall-related measures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with a confirmed diagnosis of MS, relapse-free for at least 30 days, and an EDSS score between 0 and 3.5 are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with more advanced disability (EDSS >3.5), other neurological/orthopedic/visual conditions that affect gait, or cognitive decline that prevents completing tests are unlikely to benefit from these measurements.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help clinicians detect subtle walking and balance problems earlier so rehabilitation and fall-prevention strategies can be better targeted.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using sensor-based gait measures and adaptability tasks in MS and older adults have shown promise at revealing subtle deficits, though these methods are not yet routine in clinical care.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18-65 years, * confirmed diagnosis of definite MS, * relapse free at least 30 days, * Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 0 and 3.5 Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with neurological disease other than MS * cognitive decline that renders the patient incapable of performing tests and questionnaires. * Other neurological, orthopedic, or visual impairments affecting gait
Where this trial is running
Diepenbeek
- REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center, University of Hasselt — Diepenbeek, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zuhal Abasiyanik, PhD
- Email: zuhal.abasiyanik@uhasselt.be
- Phone: +32(0)11 26 93 06
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.