Tai Chi versus square-stepping and Frenkel coordination exercises to improve knee position sense, leg strength, and fatigue in women with MS
The Effects of Tai Chi and Square Stepping Exercises on Joint Position Sense and Clinical Outcomes in Women With Multiple Sclerosis
This trial will try Tai Chi and square-stepping exercises to see if they improve knee joint position sense, lower‑extremity strength, and fatigue in women aged 20–45 with relapsing‑remitting MS.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 39 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Pamukkale University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Denizli) |
| Trial ID | NCT07461987 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Women with relapsing‑remitting multiple sclerosis and mild disability (EDSS < 3.5) are randomized to one of three 8‑week exercise programs: Yang‑style Tai Chi with postural stability exercises, square‑stepping exercises using coordinated step patterns, or a home‑based Frenkel coordination control program. Interventions are delivered twice weekly and outcomes measured include knee joint position sense, lower‑extremity muscle strength, and self‑reported fatigue. Participants with recent relapse, significant spasticity, major cardiopulmonary disease, or cognitive/psychiatric impairment are excluded. The trial aims to compare the effects of these exercise approaches on sensorimotor function and fatigue to inform MS rehabilitation strategies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 20–45 with relapsing‑remitting MS, EDSS under 3.5, no relapse in the past month, and no lower‑extremity spasticity are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with progressive MS, EDSS ≥ 3.5, recent relapse, significant spasticity, major cardiac or pulmonary disease, cognitive/psychiatric impairment, or those already enrolled in other exercise programs are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these exercise programs could improve knee position sense, leg strength, and reduce fatigue, helping balance and daily function for women with RRMS.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research supports Tai Chi improving balance and fatigue in people with MS, while square‑stepping exercises have shown balance benefits in older adults but are less extensively tested specifically in MS.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Willing to participate and provide informed consent. * Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) according to the McDonald diagnostic criteria. * Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) phenotype. * EDSS score \< 3.5. * Female, 20-45 years of age. * No MS relapse within the past 1 month. * No lower-extremity spasticity according to the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Exclusion Criteria: * Any neurological disease other than MS. * Experiencing an MS relapse during the study period. * History of orthopedic surgery that may affect balance. * Cognitive or psychiatric impairment that may interfere with study participation. * Cardiovascular or pulmonary history that may prevent participation. * Use of medications that may affect clinical assessment (e.g., antipsychotic use; continuous corticosteroid or immunosuppressive use within the past 1 month). * Participation in any other exercise program
Where this trial is running
Denizli
- Department of Neurology, Pamukkale University Hospital — Denizli, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Müge İçelli Güneş, PhD — Pamukkale University Denizli Health Services Vocational School of Higher Education
- Study coordinator: Müge İçelli Güneş, PhD
- Email: micelli@pau.edu.tr
- Phone: 02582964256
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.