A Pilot Project for Multifidus Muscle Evaluation in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

University of Arkansas7 enrolled

Overview

This research study plans to evaluate if multifidus muscle dysfunction is associated with back pain in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Since the multifidus muscle helps to stabilize the lumbar spine, the investigators hope to learn if there is dysfunction and/or atrophy of this muscle in MS patients who also have back pain. The main objective is to study if it is possible to do a home-exercise program in patients with MS younger then 50 years old and who do not need any assistance to walk. Another objective is to further characterize the multifidus function in those patients. This will be by by measuring the size of muscle at the beginning and end of the study, and also by physical exam. As an exploratory aim, the investigators would like to evaluate the relation between compliance with the home-exercise program and the change in the size of the multifidus muscle and the change in pain.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis Back Pain

Interventions

home - exercise programOTHER

Home exercise program

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 50 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * confirmed diagnosis by an UAMS neuro-immunologist of relapsing-remitting MS or primary progressive MS or secondary progressive MS * Age between 18 years old and 50 years old on consent * Complain of low back pain or severe axial back pain * English-speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Patients that also have the diagnosis of thoracic or lumbar radiculopathy or history of prior thoracic or lumbar spinal surgery. Patients that are currently pregnant EDSS over 5.5 or less than 1.0 Patient younger than 18 years old or older than 50 years old Knee total extension of less than 100 degrees

Locations (1)

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Little Rock, Arkansas, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Study the Compliance of a Home-exercise Program in Patients With MS

we will evaluate how many exercise sessions patients do at home versus what was purposed to the patient.

Time frame: 6 months

Secondary Outcomes

Qualify the Multifidus Dysfunction in Patients With MS - Ultrasound

evaluation of the change from baseline of a cross-section area of the multifidus muscle measured by ultrasound

Time frame: 6 months

Qualify the Multifidus Dysfunction in Patients With MS - Physical Exam

evaluation of the change from baseline of a cross-section area of the multifidus muscle measured by physical exam maneuvers

Time frame: 6 months

Correlation Between Compliance and Plain and Size of Muscle

statistical analysis will be done to verify the relation between compliance with the home-exercise program and the change in the cross-section area of the multifidus muscle and the change in pain score using PROMIS scale

Time frame: 6 months

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.