Robotic Locomotor Training in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis
Overview
- Phase
- Phase 1
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Sponsor
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Enrollment
- 38
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Walking Speed as Assessed by 25' Timed Walk
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 9 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
Locomotor training is a new exercise modality that emphasizes task specificity to promote learning and neural plasticity. It has been reported to improve walking in patients with stroke, spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy. In this study, 40 patients with impaired ambulation due to Multiple Sclerosis will be randomized to receive 36 sessions of either locomotor training or an standard resistive exercise intervention.The locomotor training will be accomplished via a robotic device, the Lokomat, which will move the patient's legs on a treadmill while they are suspended in a harness.
Detailed Description
In this study, subjects with confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis were randomized into one of two treatment arms. Subjects in the Lokomat arm trained on the Lokomat with a supervising physical therapist for 20-30 minutes/session 3 times/week. The Lokomat is a robotic exoskeleton which enables the subject to step on a moving treadmill. Subjects were suspended in a harness while in the Lokomat with full to partial body weight support as needed. After the training in the Lokomat, they practiced overground walking for 10 minutes. The other treatment arm had subjects engage in resistance training with weights and resistance elastic bands matched to the Lokomat group for intensity, duration and frequency. they did not practice overground walking. Primary outcome measure was speed to accomplish 25' timed walk.
Investigators
Barbara Giesser
Clinical Professor of Neurology
University of California, Los Angeles
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Persons with Secondary progressive or Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis who are ambulatory with difficulty and /or assistive device
Exclusion Criteria
- •Unable to ambulate
- •Within 3 months of exacerbation
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Walking Speed as Assessed by 25' Timed Walk
Time Frame: at beginning,mid point, end and 12 weeks after intervention
This is the time needed for participant to walk 25 feet. Participant walks on a level surface. the walk from start to finish is timed with a stop watch three measures are done and the average value is entered.
Secondary Outcomes
- Distance(baseline, mid point, end and 12 weeks after training)
- Fatigue(baseline, mid, completetion, 3 months post)
- PASAT(baseline, mid, completion, 3 months post training)