Linking a hip-worn smartphone gait sensor with spinal MRI in people with multiple sclerosis

Individual Gait Pattern and MRI Lesion Load to Quantify Gait Impairment in MS: A Cross Sectional Study.

Nantes University Hospital · NCT05482906

This project will try whether combining a hip-worn IMU smartphone app and routine spinal MRI can better describe walking changes in adults with multiple sclerosis.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNantes University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Nantes, Loire-Atlantique)
Trial IDNCT05482906 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational project uses a commercial IMU sensor worn at the right hip (MetaMotionR), a smartphone app, and an algorithm to extract an individual gait pattern (IGP) represented as a quaternion-based rotation curve. Adults with MS (EDSS 0–6) who are followed at Nantes or Rennes University Hospitals and have a spinal MRI planned as part of routine care will perform a walking test while wearing the device. Investigators will compare the smartphone-derived gait curves with routine spinal MRI findings obtained within four months of the walking test to look for common and specific signatures. The goal is to refine noninvasive, easy-to-collect digital markers of gait that can be linked to neuroimaging changes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults over 18 with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (EDSS 0–6), followed at Nantes or Rennes University Hospitals, free of relapse for at least 3 months, and scheduled for a spinal MRI are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients who require bilateral walking aids, are pregnant, under guardianship, or who decline participation are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide clinicians with objective, easy-to-collect gait measures that relate to spinal MRI findings and help personalize monitoring and care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work using IMU-derived individual gait patterns has shown promise for detecting gait changes in MS, but combining those patterns with MRI information is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria :

* Diagnosis of MS based on McDonald criteria (including Relapsing-remitting and progressive MS)
* Over 18 years old /age greater than 18 years
* Patients followed at Nantes university hospital or Rennes university hospital
* Last known EDSS before inclusion ranging from 0 to 6 inclusive/EDSS of 0 to 6 inclusive, prior inclusion
* No relapse within 3 months
* With a Medullar MRI planed as part as usual care
* MRI scan can be performed within a maximum of 4 months after or before the walking test.
* Affiliated person or beneficiary of a social security scheme

Exclusion Criteria :

* Bilateral aid needed to walk
* Women who are pregnant
* Patient having expressed their opposition
* Patient under guardianship or security measure

Where this trial is running

Nantes, Loire-Atlantique

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis, Wearable sensor, Gait, MRI

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.