Multiple Sclerosis study: Stretching
Official title Home Based Functional Balance Intervention for Multiple Sclerosis
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07355387
What this study is testing
- What it's testing
- The study wants to see if a functional balance program can improve physical function, thinking skills, and daily activities more than a simple stretching routine.
- Who it's for
- Adults who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
- What's involved
- Participants will do home exercises twice a week for four months, with a helper present, and will complete virtual check‑ins and surveys over Zoom.
- Time commitment
- The trial lasts about four months, with twice‑weekly training sessions and several virtual assessment visits.
Which group you join is decided by chance.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 40 to 90
You may be able to join if
- Telephone Screening
- Age 40-90 years.
- Self-reported diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.
- On stable disease-modifying therapy for ≥6 months.
- No PT/OT balance-related therapy in the past 6 months.
You likely can't join if
- MS relapse or exacerbation within the past 3 months.
- Recent major surgery (\<6 months) or hospitalization (\<3 months).
- Resting shortness of breath or uncontrolled pain \>3/10.
- Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes.
- Bone fracture in the past 6 months.
- Disability limiting activities of daily living.
See the full eligibility criteria
- Telephone Screening
- Age 40-90 years.
- Self-reported diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.
- On stable disease-modifying therapy for ≥6 months.
- No PT/OT balance-related therapy in the past 6 months.
- Able to stand from a chair independently (with or without hand support).
- Score 25-75% on the 12-item MS Walking Scale.
- No other neurological, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, or systemic conditions affecting standing/walking.
- English speaking.
- Willing to complete all study procedures including Zoom sessions.
- Has reliable internet access.
- Has a helper buddy available for all sessions.
- Possible mild cognitive impairment based on self-report. Initial Screening
- Moderate disability: ePR-EDSS score 4.0-6.5.
- Mild cognitive impairment: MoCA 18-25, or Jak/Bondi criteria for those scoring 26-30.
- Physically inactive or moderately active (Godin score \<24).
- Cardiovascular safety parameters within acceptable limits.
- No global aphasia (Mississippi Aphasia Screening Test ≥71 percent).
- Berg Balance Scale score ≥40/56.
- Able to walk 1 block with or without an assistive device. Helper Buddy
- Age ≥18 years.
- Lives within close proximity to the participant.
- No self-reported major medical conditions limiting safety assistance.
- English speaking.
- Able to attend all training and assessment sessions.
- Able to assist with basic safety, positioning, and communication with the research team.
- Has internet access and can use Zoom.
- MS relapse or exacerbation within the past 3 months.
- Recent major surgery (\<6 months) or hospitalization (\<3 months).
- Resting shortness of breath or uncontrolled pain \>3/10.
- Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes.
- Bone fracture in the past 6 months.
- Disability limiting activities of daily living.
- History of epilepsy or uncontrolled seizures in past year.
- Sedative medication use that may interfere with training.
- Use of Alzheimer's/dementia-modifying drugs or enrollment in AD clinical trials.
- Use of antidepressants or anxiety medications.
- Moderate or high risk on PAR-Q (≤1 "yes" response).
- Severe cognitive impairment (TICS-M ≥18).
- Currently receiving cognitive or physical rehabilitation.
- Cardiovascular parameters outside safety limits (HR, BP, O₂ saturation).
- Global aphasia (Mississippi \<71 percent).
- Peripheral nerve injury.
- Berg Balance Scale \<40/56.
- Non-English speakers (protocol delivered only in English).
- Individuals under 18 years.
- Pregnant individuals.
- Prisoners or other vulnerable populations.
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- Chicago, Illinois, United States
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 40 years to 90 years. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at Chicago, Illinois, United States. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.