Home Based Functional Balance Intervention for Multiple Sclerosis

Part of paid clinical trials in Chicago, Illinois.

Sponsor
University of Illinois at Chicago
Study ID
NCT07355387
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Relapsing-remitting
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Primary Progressive
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Secondary Progressive
  • Multiple Sclerosis Acute and Progressive

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
40 Years - 90 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Multicomponent balance intervention consisting of four components including dual-tasking, functional strength, vestibular and dynamic balance. — BEHAVIORAL
    The Functional Balance Intervention (FBI) is a multicomponent, home based cognitive motor training program designed specifically for persons with Multiple Sclerosis. It integrates four structured constructs-functional agility, functional strength, dual task cognitive motor exercises, and vestibular training-within each 1 hour session. The program uses custom designed interactive dual task stepping games that require simultaneous motor stepping responses and cognitive tasks such as arithmetic, category fluency, and visuospatial cue discrimination. Vestibular components include gaze stabilization, head turn walking, and figure of eight patterns. Progression is individualized using predefined home evaluation criteria (step count, chair stands, tandem stance, single leg stance, and perceived stability). Training is completed independently at home with a helper buddy present and supported by weekly Zoom sessions.
  • Stretching — BEHAVIORAL
    The stretching program is a non-progressive, home based flexibility protocol designed to serve as an active control condition. Unlike the Functional Balance Intervention, this program does not include agility, strength, dual task, vestibular, or cognitive motor components, and it does not use computerized games or progressive home evaluations. Participants complete 1 hour sessions, 2 days per week for 4 months, consisting solely of static stretches targeting major upper extremity, lower extremity, trunk, and back muscle groups. All stretches are performed in standing to match the positional demands and session duration of the experimental arm without engaging balance or cognitive systems. The program emphasizes gentle range of motion, posture, breathing, and relaxation rather than neuromotor challenge. No equipment is required beyond the printed stretching manual, and exercises do not progress in complexity or intensity.

Study Details

The study involves a two-arm, Phase 1, randomized controlled clinical trial designed to establish the feasibility and effects of a Functional Balance Intervention (FBI) on physical and cognitive function, as well as measures of daily living among persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Combined Specific Aims: Aim 1: Examine the effect of the FBI (Intervention Group) on physical function in PwMS compared to a stretching program (Control Group). Hypothesis 1: After four months of training, the FBI group will show significantly greater improvements in physical function compared to the stretching group. Aim 2: Examine the effect of the multicomponent FBI on cognitive function in PwMS compared to the stretching program. Hypothesis 2: After four months of training, the FBI group will show significantly greater improvements in cognitive function compared to the stretching group. Aim 3: Examine the effects of the multicomponent FBI compared to the Control Group among PwMS on measures of daily living (dual-task performance, balance confidence, community mobility, and quality of life). Hypothesis 3: After four months of training, the FBI group will show significantly greater improvements in measures of daily living compared to the stretching group. All assessment sessions will be conducted virtually via Zoom. All measures collected during the initial screening, pre-training assessment, training progression, and mid- and post-training assessment sessions will be administered either via Zoom with a Helper Buddy present or through survey links sent to participants via the UIC REDCap system. The training sessions will be performed independently by the participants in the presence of a Helper Buddy. The investigators will recruit 75 people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) for this study. Eligible participants will be randomized to either the FBI (Intervention) or stretching (Control) group, followed by an onboarding session with a designated Helper Buddy. Training will occur twice weekly for four months. Based on the anticipated attrition rate, the investigators aim for 40 PwMS to complete the post-training assessments and finish the study.

Key Dates

Start date
Nov 24, 2025
Status verified
Nov 2025
Primary completion
Nov 24, 2026
Completion
Nov 24, 2027

Study Design

Enrollment
75 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Intervention Group
    Participants assigned to the Functional Balance Intervention (FBI) will complete a 4 month, home based, multicomponent balance and cognitive motor training program. Sessions occur 2 days per week for 1 hour each and are performed independently at home with a designated helper buddy present for safety. Each session includes randomized blocks of functional agility, functional strength, dual task cognitive motor exercises, and vestibular training. Exercises emphasize dynamic balance, multi joint strength, postural control, attention, processing speed, and visuospatial orientation. Dual task components include custom computer based stepping games that integrate cognitive tasks with functional movements. Vestibular components include gaze stabilization, head turn walking, and figure of eight walking. Exercise difficulty progresses based on predefined home evaluation criteria. Participants receive a training manual, home equipment kit, weekly follow up via Zoom, and safety monitoring.
  • Active Comparator: Stretching Group
    Participants assigned to the stretching program will complete a 4 month, home based flexibility training regimen matched in duration and frequency to the intervention group. Sessions occur 2 days per week for 1 hour each and include progressive stretching of major upper limb, lower limb, core, and back muscle groups. All stretches are performed in standing to match upright time and positional demands of the Functional Balance Intervention. Each session begins with a brief warm up and concludes with a 10 minute cool down emphasizing relaxation and breathing exercises. Participants receive a printed exercise manual detailing weekly schedules, safety precautions, and instructions for each stretch. No specialized equipment or computer based components are required. A helper buddy must remain present during all sessions for safety. Participants also participate in weekly Zoom check ins to monitor adherence, address concerns, and review home safety recommendations.

Primary Outcome Measure

Safety: occurrence of adverse events [ Time Frame: Last week of training (Month 4) ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
University of Illinois at ChicagoChicagoIllinois60612
Tanvi Bhatt, PhD
[email protected]
3128773640

Find similar trials in Chicago, IL

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By specialty
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By research site
University of Illinois at Chicago· Chicago, IL

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