Core Stability Training in Multiple Sclerosis

University of Plymouth100 enrolled

Overview

The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether a 12 week Pilates based core stability training programme is effective in improving balance, mobility and balance confidence in ambulant individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The secondary aim is to determine the relative effectiveness of this 12 week Pilates based core stability training programme compared to a standardised physiotherapy exercise programme. Finally we intend to explore the underlying mechanisms of change associated with these exercise interventions by directly measuring changes in muscle thickness and activation in the deep abdominal core stabilising muscles of a sub-set of participants.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

100

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis

Interventions

Standard Physiotherapy ExercisesOTHER

Individualised face to face training sessions, delivered over 12 weeks, plus an individualised 15-minute daily home exercise programme will be provided. This will be undertaken by a neurological physiotherapist. The exercises will comprise a standardised programme of simple physiotherapy exercises which aim to improve trunk and pelvic stability, lower limb muscle length and strength, and balance and control of movement, as described by Barrett et al \[2009\]. Exercises will be progressed in response to the abilities of the individual. Each participant will receive a workbook with written and diagrammatic instructions describing their home exercise programme.

Core Stability TrainingOTHER

Individualised face to face training sessions, delivered over 12 weeks, plus an individualised 15-minute daily home exercise programme will be provided. This will be undertaken by a neurological physiotherapist with experience in the delivery of core stability training to people with MS. Exercises will be progressed in response to the abilities of the individual. Each participant will receive a workbook with written and diagrammatic instructions describing their home exercise programme.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Definite diagnosis of MS, according to McDonald's criteria * Aged 18 years or over * Able to walk independently with or without use of intermittent or constant unilateral assistance such as walking stick or orthotic brace Exclusion Criteria: * In relapse or relapse in previous three months * Any medical condition contra-indicating participation in core stability exercises * Score \< 6 on the Abbreviated Mental Test, as an indicator of those whose cognitive difficulties could interfere with the informed consent process, or the ability to fully engage in the exercise programme. * Current or recent (within past 6 months) participation in core stability exercises * Current involvement in another interventional research study

Locations (7)

Merlin Centre, Bradbury House, Hewas water

St Austell, Cornwall, United Kingdom

Devon NHS Trust

Newton Abbot, Devon, United Kingdom

University Of Plymouth, School of Health Professions

Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom

Tavistock Community Hospital

Spring Hill, Tavistock, Devon, United Kingdom

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in 10 metre timed walk (10MTW)

Time frame: baseline (pre intervention), 12 weeks (immediately post intervention), 16 weeks ( one month follow-up)

Secondary Outcomes

Change in Functional Reach - forwards and lateral

Time frame: baseline (pre intervention), 12 weeks (immediately post intervention), 16 weeks ( one month follow-up)

Change in Visual Analogue Scale (10 point) to determine "Difficulty in carrying a drink when walking".

Time frame: baseline (pre intervention), 12 weeks (immediately post intervention), 16 weeks ( one month follow-up)

Change in Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale

Time frame: baseline (pre intervention), 12 weeks (immediately post intervention), 16 weeks (one month follow-up)

Change in Multiple Sclerosis 12-item Walking Scale

Time frame: baseline (pre intervention), 12 weeks (immediately post intervention), 16 weeks (one month follow-up)

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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