Using virtual reality to enhance physiotherapy for multiple sclerosis patients
Experimental Study on the Impact of a Virtual Reality-Based Physiotherapy Program as a Complement to a Conventional Physiotherapy Program in Patients With Moderate to Severe Multiple Sclerosis
This study is testing if using virtual reality along with regular physiotherapy can help people with moderate to severe multiple sclerosis improve their movement and thinking skills better than just regular physiotherapy alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 26 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | European University of Madrid Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Móstoles, Madrid and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06735053 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a virtual reality-based program combined with conventional physiotherapy for patients with moderate to severe multiple sclerosis. The study aims to determine if this innovative approach leads to greater improvements in both motor and cognitive functions compared to conventional physiotherapy paired with a placebo virtual reality experience. Participants will attend the clinic twice a week for treatment and assessment. The trial will involve a comparison between the two groups to evaluate the potential benefits of virtual reality in rehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis for over two years, with a disability status score of 6.5 or higher.
Not a fit: Patients with other neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, or those with significant cognitive impairments, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance rehabilitation outcomes for multiple sclerosis patients, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation is gaining traction, this specific approach targeting multiple sclerosis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis based on McDonald criteria, with an evolution time of more than two years. * All patients with Multiple Sclerosis are included according to the Kurtzke Multiple Sclerosis Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (ANNEX II) with a score greater than or equal to 6.5 (Need of two types of support to walk -two canes, walker...- about 20 meters without resting). * Stable medical treatment for at least six months prior to intervention. * Absence of cognitive impairment, with ability to understand instructions and to obtain a score equal to or greater than 24 on the Minimental Test. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of another neurological disease or musculoskeletal disorder other than MS. * Diagnosis of any cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic disease, or other conditions that may interfere with this study. * To have suffered an exacerbation or hospitalization in the last 3 months before starting the assessment protocol, nor during the therapeutic intervention process. * To have received a course of steroids, intravenously or orally, 6 months prior to the start of the assessment protocol and within the intervention period of the study duration. * Visual disturbances not corrected by ocular devices.
Where this trial is running
Móstoles, Madrid and 1 other locations
- Asociación Mostoleña de Esclerosis Múltiple (AMDEM) — Móstoles, Madrid, Spain (Recruiting)
- Fundación Esclerosis Multiple Madrid (FEMM) — Madrid, Spain (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Marina Castel-Sánchez, PhD
- Email: marina.castel@universidadeuropea.es
- Phone: 0034 + 679448994
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.