The Effect of Motor Imagery on Balance in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis
Overview
- Phase
- N/A
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Falls
- Sponsor
- Dominican University New York
- Enrollment
- 10
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Berg Balance Test
- Status
- Recruiting
- Last Updated
- 3 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
This study will investigate if the use of motor imagery to practice a balance task is as effective as physically practicing balance tasks as measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) in persons with MS. A secondary purpose is to investigate if using a motor imagery balance intervention will limit fatigue typically experienced with physical movement in this population.
Detailed Description
Motor Imagery, where persons practice mental performance of a task without the physical performance of the task has been found to improve many aspects of mobility in persons with MS. Its effect on balance is not known. Traditionally, balance training in persons with MS(pwms) has taken the form of physical performance of balance tasks. Although this is effective, this may increase the fatigue that commonly limits physical exercise in MS. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of Motor Imagery on physical performance on balance and fatigue in persons with MS. Upon a participant's arrival to Dominican University NY, we will: A) Provide participants with an informed consent, explain the process, and answer questions B) Collect intake data (demographics and subject characteristics - age, gender, ethnicity, EDSS/ Phenotypes, years since diagnosis, MS Impact Scale-29 (MSIS29), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC) C) Collect baseline observational measures: Berg Balance Scale (BBS) The participants will then be randomized into the Standard of Care (physical practice) or the Motor Imagery group. Blocked randomization will be implemented to ensure even comparison between groups. Then each person will receive one on one training based on the item(s) on the BBS with which they had difficulty. For example, if the participant had difficulty with item 13 on the BBS, practicing that item would become part of their intervention. Participants in the Standard of Care group will be instructed on how to physically practice their items. Participants in the Motor Imagery group will be guided through mentally practicing their items. The interventionist will select the 3 items on the BBS with which the participant struggled the most and provide in person and HEP instructions based on those items. We will instruct the participant to perform 10 minutes of total daily practice of these exercises at home in the mode indicated by their group. The 10 minutes will be divided among multiple exercises if applicable and can be done either all at once or broken up over the course of the day. Participants will receive a logbook with written and/or verbally recorded instructions on how to perform their exercises. Participants will perform the interventions at home for 10 minutes a day for 2 weeks, and will then return to DUNY after the 2 weeks for post-test data collection.
Investigators
Stefanie DiCarrado
Principle Investigator
Dominican University New York
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Confirmed diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
- •A non-perfect score on the Berg Balance Scale
Exclusion Criteria
- •A perfect score on the Berg Balance Scale
- •Current participation in a program focused on improving balance
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Berg Balance Test
Time Frame: Two weeks
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) measures balance among older people with impairment in balance function by assessing the performance of functional tasks. It is a valid instrument used for the evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions and for quantitative descriptions of function in clinical practice and research. The BBS is comprised of a 14-item scale designed to measure the balance of the older adult in a clinical setting. Scoring: A five-point scale, ranging from 0-4. "0" indicates the lowest level of function and "4" is the highest level of function. Total Score = 56 Interpretation: 41-56 = low fall risk 21-40 = medium fall risk 0-20 = high fall risk. A change of 8 points is required to reveal a genuine change in function between 2 assessments. Participants who attain a perfect score on the BBS will be removed from the study. Participants who attain a non-perfect score on the BBS will be accepted into the study.
Secondary Outcomes
- Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)(Two weeks)
- MS Impact Scale-29 (MSIS29)(Two weeks)
- Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC)(Two weeks)