The Effect of Virtual Reality on Fatigue and Functional Capacity in Patients With MS

Istinye University30 enrolled

Overview

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as a complementary intervention to traditional physical therapy for individuals diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic neurological condition that affects motor and cognitive functions, with fatigue being one of the most common and disabling symptoms. This study will assess whether the use of VR-based applications, in addition to standard physiotherapy, can reduce fatigue and improve functional capacity in individuals with MS. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one group will receive conventional physiotherapy only, while the other will receive VR-based therapy alongside physiotherapy. The intervention period will last four weeks, and both groups will be evaluated using standardized outcome measures before and after the intervention. These include the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). The study is designed to address a gap in current literature, as no prior research has specifically examined the impact of virtual reality on fatigue and functional performance in MS patients. The findings may provide valuable insights into innovative rehabilitation strategies that enhance patient outcomes and improve quality of life.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Relapsing-remitting

Interventions

control group( physical therapy)OTHER

Participants will receive conventional physiotherapy 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The treatment includes: Standing exercises: multidirectional stepping, single- and double-leg stance Walking exercises: forward, backward, and lateral walking Weight-shifting exercises: lunges, half-squats, leaning, and reaching

Experemental groupOTHER

In this group the number of Participants are 15 . The experment by using VR sessions will last 30 minutes per session, 3 times per week for 4 weeks . In addition to the same physiotherapy program used in the control group, this group will receive Virtual Reality (VR) training using a Meta Quest 2 headset . Patients will interact with immersive environments designed to stimulate movement and functional tasks.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 20 YearsMax age: 85 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. individuals diagnosed as MS by a physician 2. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): 2.0-6.5 3. Patient able to walk with or without the use of unilateral support (e.g., a cane) 4. Patient had not experienced a severe exacerbation of symptoms requiring medical intervention in the previous month 5. subjects had to have the cognitive capacity to assure the requisite cognitive ability 6. spasticity up to 2 on Ashworth scale. Exclusion Criteria: * 1\. cognitive disorders hampering the execution of the exercises/assessment, 2. Ability to maintain monopodalic-standing position for 10 s 3. cardiovascular disorders 4. orthopedic disorders that could negatively affect balance 5. uncorrected visual or auditory impairments 6. pregnancy

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Fatigue Severity Score (FSS)

Fatigue will be assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), a validated questionnaire consisting of 9 items scored on a 7-point Likert scale. The scale measures the impact of fatigue on daily functioning and is widely used in MS populations to evaluate changes in perceived fatigue.

Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention

Secondary Outcomes

Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)

The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test will be used to assess functional mobility and fall risk. Participants will be timed as they rise from a seated position, walk 3 meters, turn, walk back, and sit down again. The time (in seconds) required to complete the task will be recorded. TUG is a validated measure commonly used in individuals with MS to assess gait and mobility status.