KITAMS: Kinesio Tape and Physical Function in Persons With Multiples Sclerosis

Research Plan

Participants The investigators will recruit and enroll 24 pwMS (12 per group) aged 18-55 years. This sample size is appropriate for pilot trials, and was not based on power analysis. The number of 12 per group is justified based on feasibility, gains in the precision about the mean and variance, and regulatory consideration. Related to gains in the precision, the gains are less pronounced after 12 participants. Recruitment will occur though advertisements in local newspapers (100-mile radius around Illinois campus) and posts on the Greater Illinois chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) website. The investigators will further recruit using our participant's database that includes pwMS 40 years of age and older. The 24 persons will be randomly assigned in equal ratios through concealed allocation into either the intervention (i.e., Kinesio Tape - KTG; n=12) or control (i.e., Sham Tape - STG; n=12) conditions. The inclusion criteria are: clinically definitive diagnosis of MS; age between 18 and 55 years; relapse-free for the past 30 days and; ability to walk with or without assistive device (i.e., cane, but not walker/rollator). Participants further must be willing to complete in-person assessments in a university research setting. The investigators will exclude those who use wheelchair, crutches and walker or who have moderate cognitive impairment based on the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (i.e., moderate cognitive impairment, ≤ 12 points).

Main Outcomes

Balance. Balance will be objectively measured using a force platform (AccuSway, AMTI, Newton, MA, USA) which will be used to calculate the coordinates of the center of pressure (COP) during the standing test using three orthogonal forces and moments. Signals from the force plate will be sampled at 100HZ. Data analysis will then be performed using specific programs developed in MATLAB (Mathworks, Natick, MA, USA). Four classical time domain posturographic parameters will be calculated from the COP co-ordinates: mean deviation along the anterior-posterior (X) and medio-lateral (Y) axes, mean COP velocity along the anterior-posterior (VCOPX) and medio-lateral (VCOPY) axes. Participants will perform a total of four trials (i.e., two with eyes open and two with eyes closed) where they will be asked to stand on the force plate and maintain balance. The force plate will be set up 1.5 meters away from the wall. In the eyes open condition participants will be asked to focus at a dark disc (5cm in diameter) on the wall at the subject's eye level. Each trial will last one minute and participants will be given two minutes rest between trials. The order of the trial condition (eyes open or closed) will be randomized to prevent any order effect.

The Timed and up and Go test (TUG) will be used as a measure of functional mobility. The primary outcome of the TUG test is the total time (in seconds) taken to complete the test. The test will be set up on the basis of standardized descriptions that have been previously reported. Participants will be instructed to complete the course as safely and quickly as possible by standing up (without the help of hands), walking toward and around a cone/mark on the floor (approx. 10 feet), walking back to the chair, and then sitting down. If needed, participants will be allowed to use assistive devices while performing the task. Participants will be given 2 trials to complete the TUG test, and the average time across the 2 trials will be computed as the final score.