MedPath

Brain Activity Changes Following Neuroproprioceptive Physiotherapy in Multiple Sclerosis

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Neuronal Plasticity
Multiple Sclerosis
Rehabilitation
Registration Number
NCT04448444
Lead Sponsor
Charles University, Czech Republic
Brief Summary

Imaging methods bring new possibilities for describing the brain plasticity processes that underly the improvement of clinical function after physiotherapy in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The study determined whether facilitation physiotherapy could enhance brain plasticity, compared two facilitation methods, and looked for any relation to clinical improvement in pwMS.

Detailed Description

The study was designed as parallel group randomized comparison of two kinds of physiotherapeutic interventions referred to healthy controls.

MS patients were examined by fMRI (primary outcomes) and clinical tests (secondary outcomes) at the beginning of study. Then, they were randomly divided into two groups (by drawing lots in a 1:1 ratio). The first group underwent Vojta reflex locomotion (VRL), and the second Motor Program Activating Physiotherapy (MPAT). The length and intensity of treatment was the same in both groups (two months, one hour twice a week). After the treatment, a clinical and fMRI examination was performed. Healthy volunteers underwent an fMRI examination that was considered to be a control.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
87
Inclusion Criteria
  • definite MS
  • stable clinical status in the preceding 3 months
  • imuno-modulatory treatment for at least two years (including glatiramer acetate, interferon beta-1a, 1b, mitoxantrone, fingolimod, natulizumab)
  • Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)≤6
  • predominant motor impartment
  • six months or more without any physiotherapy
  • ability to undergo ambulatory physiotherapy

Exlusion criteria:

-other neurological disease or conditions disabling movement

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Brain activity0 and 2 months

fMRI examinations on 3T magnetic resonance scanner (Siemens Trio Tim, Erlangen, Germany) using a 12-channel head coil (different pattern of brain activity before and after two months of physiotherapeutic program)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test - PASAT2 months

The PASAT is a measure of cognitive function that assesses auditory information processing speed and flexibility, as well as calculation ability. The PASAT is presented using audio record to ensure standardization in the rate of stimulus presentation. Single digits are presented every 3 seconds and the patient must add each new digit to the one immediately prior to it. The score for the PASAT is the total number correct out of 60 possible answers.

Berg Balance Scale - BBS2 months

14 items objective measure of static balance and risk of falls (0 the best, 56 the worse)

Timed 25 Foot Walk - T25FW2 months

The T25-FW is a quantitative mobility and leg function performance test based on a timed 25-walk. The patient is directed to one end of a clearly marked 25-foot course and is instructed to walk 25 feet as quickly as possible, but safely. The task is immediately administered again by having the patient walk back the same distance. The score for the T25-FW is the average of the two completed trials.

Timed Up and Go - TUG2 months

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 uses the time that a person takes to rise from a chair, walk three meters, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down.

Nine Hole Peg Test - NHPT2 months

measure finger dexterity (quicker time means better function)

MedPath

Empowering clinical research with data-driven insights and AI-powered tools.

© 2025 MedPath, Inc. All rights reserved.