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Impact of the Use of a Weighted Jacket on the Balance of Patients With a Balance Disorder.

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Balance; Distorted
Interventions
Device: Control jacket
Device: Personalized weighted jacket
Registration Number
NCT03307265
Lead Sponsor
Bernard Dachy
Brief Summary

The aim of the study is to test whether wearing a weighted jacket can help improve the balance distortion of patients with neurologic pathologies.

The center of mass of the patient will be analyzed in order to determine the direction in which the imbalance is most important. Weights will be placed accordingly in a jacket in order to correct the imbalance. In the experimental group, weights will represent 1.5 to 2% of the patient body mass. In the control group, the investigators will use weights of 200 grams maximum, placed evenly on both sides of the jacket. Patients will wear the jacket for 2 consecutive hours.

After wearing the jacket for 2 hours, data similar to those recorded at the beginning of the experiment will be taken again, namely the determination of the center of mass and of the deviations caused by the imbalance.

A final series of tests will take place approximately one week after wearing the jacket, to determine if there are any residual effects.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
17
Inclusion Criteria
  • good level of French understanding
  • be able to walk a minimum distance of 10 meters with or without rod/walker
  • walk 10 meters in more than 12 seconds.
  • have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, or any other neurological pathology that could cause balance disorders
  • be able to endure at least 2 hours of tests, interviews or medical care.
  • score of more than 8 seconds at the time up and go (TUG), less than 24 points out of 28 in the Tinetti test
Exclusion Criteria
  • the patient underwent a period of exacerbation of his pathology in the last two months (especially for multiple sclerosis patients)
  • chronic back pain
  • poor eyesight (not be able to perform the tests)
  • osteoporosis

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
ControlControl jacket-
Imbalance correctionPersonalized weighted jacket-
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
ImbalanceData measured after 2 hours of jacket utilisation

The side towards which the patient is more likely to be unbalanced is determined by an interactive balance linked to the Wii-fit.

Time Up and GoData measured after 2 hours of jacket utilisation

The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) is a simple test used to assess a person's mobility and requires both static and dynamic balance. It measures the time that a person takes to rise from a chair, walk three meters, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down.

Tinetti testData measured after 2 hours of jacket utilisation

The Tinetti test or score is a simple, reproducible way of assessing the risk of falls.

Berg balance scaleData measured after 2 hours of jacket utilisation

The Berg balance scale includes 14 tests that assess static balance and dynamic balance.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Imbalance1 week after jacket utilisation

The side towards which the patient is more likely to be unbalanced is determined by an interactive balance linked to the Wii-fit.

Time Up and Go1 week after jacket utilisation

The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) is a simple test used to assess a person's mobility and requires both static and dynamic balance. It measures the time that a person takes to rise from a chair, walk three meters, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down.

Tinetti test1 week after jacket utilisation

The Tinetti test or score is a simple, reproducible way of assessing the risk of falls.

Berg balance scale1 week after jacket utilisation

The Berg balance scale includes 14 tests that assess static balance and dynamic balance.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

CHU Brugmann

🇧🇪

Brussel, Belgium

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