Effects of Upper Extremity-Focused Neuromuscular Training in People With Multiple Sclerosis

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis

• Registration Number: NCT06712342
• Lead Sponsor: Istanbul Aydın University

Brief Summary

The effectiveness of upper extremity focused neuromuscular exercise training in early stage people with MS will be investigated. People with MS enrolled in the study will be randomly assigned to three groups: Neuromuscular Exercise Group (NEG), Conventional Exercise Group (CEG), and Control Group (CG). All three groups will be assessed with primary and secondary outcome measures at baseline, week 8, and week 12. NEG, CEG, and CG will be initially assessed for upper extremity function, cognitive function, lower extremity function, grip strength, proximal muscle strength, sensation, coordination, fatigue, postural sway, and core muscle strength and endurance. Then, NEG will receive clinically supervised upper extremity focused neuromuscular exercise training with a minimum of 60 minutes of session time, 2 days a week for 8 weeks. This exercise training includes steps for postural control, weight transfer, proximal and distal muscle strengthening, proprioception, coordination and reaction speed. Similarly, CEG will receive clinically supervised traditional upper extremity exercise training, twice a week for 8 weeks, with a minimum of 60 minutes of session time. This exercise training includes strengthening with the band and manuel dexterity exercises. In both groups, stretching and mobility exercises will be added to the warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after the program. During this process, CG will be on the waiting list. At the end of 8 weeks, all three groups will be re-evaluated. After the exercise training, follow-up will be done and evaluations will be repeated in the 12th week. This study will provide evidence on the effects of upper extremity-focused neuromuscular exercise training on physical and cognitive functions in early-stage people with MS compared to traditional treatment approaches.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2024-11-26
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-11-26
• Study Start: 2024-11-30
• Status Verified: 2024-12
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-12-01
• Study First Posted: 2024-12-02
• Last Update Posted: 2024-12-04
• Primary Completion: 2025-11-01
• Study Completion: 2025-12-29

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 72

Inclusion Criteria

• Definite MS according to McDonald criteria,
• 18-64 years
• RRMS,
• EDSS < 4,
• Minimal or moderate upper extremity involvement

Exclusion Criteria

• Having an attack in the last three months,
• Mini Mental Test <24 or visual deficit,
• Other medical conditions accompanying MS (cardiac, orthopedic or rheumatic, etc.),
• Being pregnant or breastfeeding,
• Doing regular exercise - receiving physiotherapy,
• Having spasticity of 2 or more in the upper extremity

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Nine Hole Peg Test	At the beginning, at the end of 8 weeks and 12 weeks	To assess unilateral function of the upper extremity
Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test	At the beginning, at the end of 8 weeks and 12 weeks	To assess bilateral upper extremity function
Manual Ability Measure-36	At the beginning, at the end of 8 weeks and 12 weeks	To assess upper extremity function. A higher score indicates better hand function.
Timed 25-Foot Walk	At the beginning, at the end of 8 weeks and 12 weeks	To assess lower extremity function
Symbol Digit Modalities Test	At the beginning, at the end of 8 weeks and 12 weeks	To assess cognitive function
Hand Dynamometer	At the beginning, at the end of 8 weeks and 12 weeks	To assess hand grip strength

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Hand Held Dynamometer	At the beginning, at the end of 8 weeks and 12 weeks	To assess elbow muscle strength
Biodex Balance System	At the beginning, at the end of 8 weeks and 12 weeks	To assess postural sway
Laser-pointer Assisted Angle Reproduction Test	At the beginning, at the end of 8 weeks and 12 weeks	To assess of shoulder proprioception
Finger Tapping Test	At the beginning, at the end of 8 weeks and 12 weeks	To assess upper extremity coordination
Fatigue Severity Scale	At the beginning, at the end of 8 weeks and 12 weeks	To assess fatigue severity. A high score indicates high fatigue severity.
Plank	At the beginning, at the end of 8 weeks and 12 weeks	To assess core muscle endurance
Curl-up	At the beginning, at the end of 8 weeks and 12 weeks	To assess core muscle strength