Mental imagery and watching walking to improve walking in MS
Effects of Motor Imagery and Action Observation on Gait Initiation and Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Multiple Sclerosis
This project will test whether watching walking videos and imagining yourself walking can improve gait, walking speed, and muscle activation in people with multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hacettepe University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Trial ID | NCT07137624 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with MS will be randomly assigned to an experimental group that watches walking videos while performing guided motor imagery or to a control group that watches nature videos without walking content. Baseline gait assessments and electromyography (EMG) recordings will be collected, and the same measures will be repeated after multiple intervention sessions to detect changes in stride length, walking speed, balance, and muscle activation. The intervention combines action observation with motor imagery as a non‑physical practice intended to influence neural control of walking. Outcomes will compare pre- and post-intervention gait parameters and EMG patterns between groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a neurologist-confirmed diagnosis of MS who are not in relapse (past 3 months), have preserved cognition (MMSE ≥24), and do not have serious comorbidities, significant vision or hearing problems, or severe leg spasticity that would prevent participation.
Not a fit: Patients with recent MS relapses, major cardiac/respiratory/metabolic illness, other neurological disorders, chronic pain, significant leg stiffness, or uncorrected vision/hearing impairments are unlikely to benefit or may be excluded from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a simple, non-invasive adjunct to physical therapy to help improve walking and gait control in people with MS.
How similar studies have performed: Action-observation and motor-imagery approaches have shown promising but not definitive benefits for gait and motor control in stroke and Parkinson disease, with limited pilot data suggesting possible benefit in MS.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * A confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) by a neurologist * No history of relapse within the past 3 months and not currently experiencing a relapse * A score of 24 or higher on the standardized Mini Mental State Examination Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of serious health conditions affecting the muscles, heart, lungs, or metabolism that could interfere with participation * History of other neurological disorders, head injury, or chronic psychiatric conditions * Chronic pain lasting longer than six months * Significant muscle stiffness in the legs that may affect EMG recordings * Hearing difficulties * Vision problems as determined by the Snellen visual acuity test
Where this trial is running
Ankara
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation — Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Merve Ünal, Res. Asst.
- Email: merveunal.144@gmail.com
- Phone: +905386582787
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.