Trekking Poles to Aid Multiple Sclerosis Gait Impairment

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis
• Interventions: Other: No device; Device: Single-point cane (SPC); Device: Four-point cane (FPC); Device: Trekking pole (TP).

• Registration Number: NCT02227524
• Lead Sponsor: Rowan University

Brief Summary

In this study, the investigators will examine a sample of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) to determine whether their walking function and ability is different depending on which walking assistive device is used.

Detailed Description

In this study, the investigators will examine a sample of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) to determine whether their walking function and ability is different depending on which walking assistive device is used. In addition, the investigators will examine the psychosocial impact and amount of fatigue induced by each assistive device. Data collection will consist of a series of assessments via survey and physical performance. The analyses will consist of appropriate comparisons of means to determine if the use of different assistive devices alters any of the outcomes.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2014-04
• Study First Submitted: 2014-08-20
• Study First Submitted QC: 2014-08-27
• Study First Posted: 2014-08-28
• Primary Completion: 2019-03-07
• Study Completion: 2019-03-07
• Status Verified: 2024-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-04-09
• Last Update Posted: 2024-04-11

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 29

Inclusion Criteria

• Be 18-64 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of MS
• Have perceived walking difficulty
• Have an EDSS score of < 6, calculated by the physician
• Ability to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study

Exclusion Criteria

• Have had a MS exacerbation in the prior 8 weeks
• Have other serious medical conditions that would impair their ability to participate in gait performance testing (i.e. severe rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis)
• If the physician deems a participant unsafe to go home with devices
• Cannot communicate in English
• Possess greater than a mild decrease in mentation (i.e. a score of >2 on the Mental Functions item of the FSS)
• Inability or unwillingness of individual to give written informed consent

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: FACTORIAL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
No Device	No device	Assistive device conditions
No Device	Single-point cane (SPC)	Assistive device conditions
No Device	Trekking pole (TP).	Assistive device conditions
Single Point Cane	Trekking pole (TP).	Assistive device condition
Four-Point Cane	No device	Assistive device condition
Four-Point Cane	Single-point cane (SPC)	Assistive device condition
Trekking Pole	No device	Assistive device condition
Single Point Cane	No device	Assistive device condition
Four-Point Cane	Four-point cane (FPC)	Assistive device condition
Single Point Cane	Single-point cane (SPC)	Assistive device condition
Four-Point Cane	Trekking pole (TP).	Assistive device condition
Trekking Pole	Single-point cane (SPC)	Assistive device condition
Trekking Pole	Trekking pole (TP).	Assistive device condition
No Device	Four-point cane (FPC)	Assistive device conditions
Single Point Cane	Four-point cane (FPC)	Assistive device condition
Trekking Pole	Four-point cane (FPC)	Assistive device condition

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Composite measures of walking	1 year	Temporal and spatial parameters of gait/walking (measured with the GAITRite portable walkway system)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine; 🇺🇸 Stratford, New Jersey, United States