OCTive: A New Horizon in MS Digital Solution
This research, called 'OCTive,' is exploring new digital ways to track Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. It's developing two computer apps, Digi Motion and Digi Balance, to measure your movement, balance, and stability. At the same time, it uses special eye scans (called OCT) to look at tiny structures in the back of your eye, which can show signs of MS-related changes. The goal is to see if these new tools are as good, or even better, than current methods at showing how MS progresses. By combining information from your body's movement and your eyes, the study hopes to create a more complete and personalised way to monitor MS, ultimately aiming to improve how the condition is understood and managed for people in the UK.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects your brain and spinal cord, which can lead to problems with how you move, keep your balance, and see. Currently, doctors use different ways to check how MS is affecting you and if it's getting worse. This research project, called 'OCTive', is looking for new, advanced ways to do this using technology.
Researchers are developing two special computer apps, named Digi Motion and Digi Balance. These apps will use camera technology to check how you move, how far you can stretch, and how steady you are on your feet. Alongside this, the study uses a non-invasive eye scan called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). This scan takes very detailed pictures of the back of your eye, showing tiny layers and cells that can be affected by MS. By looking at both your movement and these eye scans together, the study hopes to get a more complete picture of your MS.
This study will involve people with MS to test these new digital tools. The results from the new apps and eye scans will be compared with the usual checks doctors do. The main aim is to see if these new tools are reliable and accurate, and if they can help doctors better understand and track how MS changes over time for each person. The hope is that this will lead to more personalised and effective ways to manage MS in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study uses new technology, including special apps and eye scans, to understand MS progression.
- It aims to create a more personalised way to track MS, beyond traditional doctor's visits.
- The new tools check your movement, balance, and tiny details in your eyes.
- Results will be compared with standard clinical assessments.
- The hope is to improve how MS is monitored and managed in the future for people in the UK.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 80 years old. You must have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and your condition should have been steady for at least the last month. You also need to be able to walk at least 10 metres (about the length of a small bus) on your own, with or without any walking aids you normally use.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, have allergies to sticky materials (like plasters), or have any other health issue that your doctor thinks would make it unsafe for you to take part in the assessments. You also need to be able to understand the information about the study and give your consent to participate.
The study team and your doctor will discuss these points with you to make sure it's safe and suitable for you to take part.
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?
- Has your MS been stable for the last month?
- Can you walk at least 10 metres on your own (with or without walking aids)?
- Are you not pregnant?
- Do you not have allergies to sticky materials (like plasters)?
- Can you understand information about the study and agree to take part?
What does participation involve?
This information wasn't provided in the clinical trial summary. Please speak to your doctor or the research team for details on what taking part involves.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of Exeter Engineering Research CentreVerified postcodeExeter, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The main goal is to test new digital tools and eye scans to see if they can help doctors better track how Multiple Sclerosis changes over time.
What does 'OCTive' mean?
OCTive is the name of the research project, combining 'OCT' (a type of eye scan) with 'active' to suggest active monitoring of MS.
Will I have to take any new medicines in this study?
No, this study is about testing new assessment tools and imaging techniques, not new medications.
Are the eye scans painful?
No, the eye scans (OCT) are non-invasive, quick, and generally comfortable. They don't involve touching your eye or using bright lights.
How does this study help people with MS?
By finding better ways to track MS, this study could lead to more personalised and effective care in the future, helping doctors understand each person's MS progression more clearly.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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