RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

EMG Biofeedback Training to Improve Balance in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

This research trial is investigating a new way to help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) improve their balance. It's called EMG Biofeedback training and involves using small sensors (like stickers) on your skin to give you feedback while you do exercises. Researchers want to see if this new method helps more than standard balance exercises often given by physiotherapists. They'll also check if any balance improvements last for up to three months after the training finishes, and if the benefits are different for people with varying levels of disability. The aim is to find better ways to help people with MS manage their balance and walking.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

McMaster University

Enrolment target

Start

01 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2027

Multiple Sclerosis

What is this study about?

This study is looking for better ways to help people who have multiple sclerosis (MS) and experience problems with their balance. Balance issues can make everyday tasks harder and affect your quality of life, so finding effective ways to improve it is really important.

The researchers are testing a new approach called EMG Biofeedback (EMG-BF) training. This method uses small sticky sensors placed on your skin (like on your arms and legs). These sensors pick up signals from your muscles and give you feedback, which can help you understand and control your muscle movements better during exercises. The study wants to compare this new EMG Biofeedback training with a more traditional approach, which involves following an instructor through standard balance exercises that physiotherapists often recommend.

The main goal is to find out if the new EMG Biofeedback training works better than traditional exercises in improving balance for people with MS. They also want to see if any improvements in balance last for a few months after the training ends, and if the method works differently for people depending on how severe their MS symptoms are. This research could help healthcare professionals offer more effective ways to help people with MS improve their balance and stay more independent.

Key takeaways

This study tests a new way to improve balance for people with MS.
It compares 'EMG Biofeedback' (using sensors) with standard exercises.
Training involves 18 sessions over 6 weeks.
Researchers want to see if benefits last for 3 months after training.
Participation requires stable MS and no changes to other treatments.
The findings could lead to better balance therapies for MS.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 80 years old, and have been officially diagnosed with MS. You should also be able to walk, even if you need some help, and have noticed problems with your walking or balance. It's important that your MS has been stable, meaning you haven't had a relapse or worsening of symptoms in the last three months.

While in the study, you'll need to agree not to start any new medications for your MS or change the dose of any you're already taking. This includes injections like Botox, and any medications you take by mouth or through a drip. If you're having other therapies like physiotherapy, massage, or chiropractic treatment, you'll need to keep doing them at the same frequency and intensity throughout the trial. You wouldn't be able to join if you had Botox treatment in the three months before the study started, or if you have severe eyesight problems that would make it hard to use the training equipment.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis?
Do you have problems with walking or balance?
Has your MS been stable with no relapses in the last 3 months?
Can you agree not to change your medications or other treatments during the study?
Do you have good enough eyesight to interact with training equipment?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either the EMG Biofeedback training group or the traditional balance exercise group. Both groups will have three training sessions each week for six weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes. This means you'll attend 18 sessions in total.

If you're in the EMG Biofeedback group, you'll do specific exercises while wearing small sticky sensors that give you real-time feedback. If you're in the traditional exercise group, you'll follow an instructor through standard balance exercises. Researchers will take measurements of your balance and other related abilities three times: at the very beginning of the study, after your six weeks of training are complete, and then again three months after your training has finished. This allows them to see if the training has made a lasting difference.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this might offer a chance to improve your balance, potentially more than with traditional exercises, and contribute to scientific understanding of MS. As with any exercise, there's a small risk of muscle soreness or fatigue. The sticky sensors used in EMG Biofeedback are generally safe but could cause minor skin irritation in some people. You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

McMaster University
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is EMG Biofeedback?

It's a training method that uses small sensors on your skin to measure muscle activity and give you feedback, which helps you learn to control your muscles better for specific movements.

How long will the study training last?

The training itself will last for six weeks, with three half-hour sessions each week, so 18 sessions in total.

Will I know which treatment I'm getting?

Yes, you will know whether you are in the EMG Biofeedback training group or the traditional balance exercise group.

Do I have to stop my current MS medications?

No, but you must agree not to start new MS medications or change your current doses while you are in the study.

What if I have other therapies like physiotherapy?

You need to continue these other therapies at the same frequency and intensity as you usually do throughout the study period.

How to find out more

Aimee J Nelson, PhD

nelsonaj@mcmaster.ca 905 525 9140 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.