Treadmill-based virtual reality walking training for MS patients

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

Participants with multiple sclerosis will undergo a 6-week program of treadmill-based virtual reality walking training, twice weekly, while wearing smart socks that measure daily walking patterns. The study will assess safety, practicality, and changes in walking, balance, fatigue, fear of falling, confidence, and quality of life, both in the clinic and in real life. Researchers will compare measurements before, during, and after the training to see if benefits extend beyond the session and into everyday activities. Standard care and clinic-based tests will be used alongside home activity data to understand real-world impact.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Have a clinically confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
* Be 18 years of age or older.
* Demonstrate ≥10% variability in stride length, step length, or gait asymmetry.
* Can ambulate without an assistive device, with a unilateral, or with a bilateral assistive device.
* Demonstrate no more than mild cognitive impairment, indicated by the Mini-Mental State Exam (score \>19).
* Possess adequate cognitive function to understand and follow research instructions.
* Be able to safely participate in the study and training procedures as determined by study staff.
* Be fluent in English and able to communicate discomfort, fatigue, or pain in English.
* Be able to travel to Shepherd Center to complete key assessment points in-person and for in-person training sessions twice per week.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have a diagnosis of any other neurological condition or recent orthopedic conditions that affects gait, balance, or mobility.
* Exhibit \<10% variability in stride length, step length, or gait asymmetry.
* Are unable to ambulate (i.e. wheelchair bound or bedbound individuals).
* Have legal blindness or severe visual impairment that would interfere with virtual reality engagement or safe ambulation.
* Have a body weight exceeding 300 lbs., which exceeds the safety limits of the treadmill and body weight support system.
* Have uncontrolled or untreated hypertension, hypotension, or angina.
* Have a past or current history of epilepsy or any other type of seizure disorder, whether controlled or uncontrolled.
* Have undergone major surgery within the past 6 months or hospitalization within the past 3 months.

Where it's running

• Shepherd Center
  Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Julie F Stowell, DPT
• Email: julie.stowell@shepherd.org
• Phone: 4046035049

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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.