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Recruiting NCT07137624

Motor Imagery and Action Observation for Gait Function in MS

No phase Interventional Multiple Sclerosis

For patients and families

In plain language

An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.

What is being studied
The protocol lists: Action Observation + Motor Imagery, Nature Video.
Who it may be relevant to
Registry conditions: Multiple Sclerosis. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
What needs checking
Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
Where it takes place
Turkey (Türkiye)
Next step
Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →

Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →

Official title

Effects of Motor Imagery and Action Observation on Gait Initiation and Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Multiple Sclerosis

Overview

This study will investigate whether mentally simulating walking movements while watching others walk can improve walking performance in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Participants will be divided into two groups: one group will watch walking videos and imagine themselves walking, while the other group will watch nature scenes. The study will measure muscle activity and walking patterns to assess the effects. The results may help support the use of mental practice techniques to improve mobility in people with MS.

Detailed description

This study aims to explore the impact of mental simulation of walking movements on walking performance in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group will watch walking-related videos and engage in mental imagery exercises, imagining themselves walking, while the control group will watch nature scenes without any walking-related content.

Objectives:

To determine whether mental imagery can enhance walking ability and gait parameters in individuals with MS.

To measure the effect of mental simulation on muscle activity and walking patterns, including stride length, walking speed, and balance.

Study Procedure:

The study will consist of multiple sessions, where participants will first undergo baseline assessments of walking ability. Following this, they will engage in either the walking video and imagery task (experimental group) or the nature video viewing task (control group) for a predetermined period of time. Measurements of muscle activity using electromyography (EMG) and walking patterns will be recorded before and after the intervention.

Potential Impact:

The results from this study may provide insights into the use of mental practice techniques as a non-invasive intervention to improve mobility in individuals with MS, a population often affected by walking difficulties. Mental imagery could serve as an adjunct therapy to traditional physical rehabilitation methods.

Interventions

  • Behavioral Action Observation + Motor Imagery
    Participants will watch videos showing walking actions and will be instructed to mentally simulate the movement.
  • Behavioral Nature Video
    Participants will watch a video of nature scenes.

Primary outcome measures

  • Change in Tibialis Anterior and Gastrocnemius Medialis Muscle Activity Amplitude [Time frame: Before and immediately after the intervention]
  • Change in Tibialis Anterior and Gastrocnemius Medialis Muscle Activity Onset Latency [Time frame: Before and immediately after the intervention.]
  • Change in Step Length [Time frame: Before and immediately after the intervention]
  • Change in Step Time [Time frame: Before and immediately after the intervention]
  • Change in Step Width [Time frame: Before and immediately after the intervention]
  • Change in Double Support Period [Time frame: Before and immediately after the intervention]
  • Change in Gait Velocity [Time frame: Before and immediately after the intervention]
  • Change in Cadence [Time frame: Before and immediately after the intervention]
Secondary outcome measures (8)
  • Motor Imagery Vividness [Time frame: Baseline only]
  • Mental Chronometry Ratio [Time frame: Baseline only]
  • Limb Laterality Recognition Performance [Time frame: Baseline only]
  • Cognitive Status [Time frame: Baseline only]
  • Fatigue Level [Time frame: Baseline only]
  • Anxiety and Depression [Time frame: Baseline only]
  • Disability Level [Time frame: Baseline only]
  • Visual Acuity [Time frame: Baseline only]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

  • A confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) by a neurologist
  • No history of relapse within the past 3 months and not currently experiencing a relapse
  • A score of 24 or higher on the standardized Mini Mental State Examination

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of serious health conditions affecting the muscles, heart, lungs, or metabolism that could interfere with participation
  • History of other neurological disorders, head injury, or chronic psychiatric conditions
  • Chronic pain lasting longer than six months
  • Significant muscle stiffness in the legs that may affect EMG recordings
  • Hearing difficulties
  • Vision problems as determined by the Snellen visual acuity test

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: No

Study design

Allocation
Randomized
Model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single blind
Primary purpose
Supportive care

Study locations

Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
  • Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation — Ankara

Publications

  • Wright DJ, Williams J, Holmes PS. Combined action observation and imagery facilitates corticospinal excitability. Front Hum Neurosci. 2014 Nov 27;8:951. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00951. eCollection 2014. PMID 25505880
  • Rocca MA, Meani A, Fumagalli S, Pagani E, Gatti R, Martinelli-Boneschi F, Esposito F, Preziosa P, Cordani C, Comi G, Filippi M. Functional and structural plasticity following action observation training in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2019 Oct;25(11):1472-1487. doi: 10.1177/1352458518792771. Epub 2018 Aug 7. PMID 30084706
  • Gil-Bermejo-Bernardez-Zerpa A, Moral-Munoz JA, Lucena-Anton D, Luque-Moreno C. Effectiveness of Motor Imagery on Motor Recovery in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jan 9;18(2):498. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18020498. PMID 33435410
  • Chye S, Valappil AC, Wright DJ, Frank C, Shearer DA, Tyler CJ, Diss CE, Mian OS, Tillin NA, Bruton AM. The effects of combined action observation and motor imagery on corticospinal excitability and movement outcomes: Two meta-analyses. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2022 Dec;143:104911. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104911. Epub 2022 Nov 5. PMID 36349570
  • Salamci M, Salci Y, Topuz S, Yalcin AI, Acar Ozen P, Tuncer A. Gait initiation in multiple sclerosis patients with and without functional loss. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2023 Nov;79:104990. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2023.104990. Epub 2023 Sep 4. PMID 37708821

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07137624 · FTREK25/48

Primary sources (government registries)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗