Targeted ballet program for people with multiple sclerosis

Other measures (1)

Background and study aims Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition which affects the brain and/or spinal cord and causes problems with vision, movement, sensation and balance. Walking impairment is common in MS, particularly with advancing disability. Walking and mobility are among the most valued functions of people with MS. This shows the importance of finding approaches to restore walking in MS, particularly among people with advanced disease whose walking impairment affects their quality of life and independence. Researchers have noted that rehabilitation is the only way of improving function in MS, and exercise training seems to be an effective approach that has other positive side effects and benefits. There are two major gaps in the existing evidence of exercise and walking in MS. There is no documented evidence for improving agility or smooth coordination of movements in exercise interventions for those with MS. The focus on agility and smoothness of movement is critical for improving gait and movement. Such improvements lead to more walking and social engagement, whereas lack of coordination in gait and poor balance lead to an increased risk of falling and injury. A ballet program has been designed that should improve agility, balance and whole body movement coordination in people with MS who have walking impairment. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of this ballet program for people with MS who have problems with mobility and coordination. This study will estimate the effect of the ballet program on balance, agility and smoothness of movement for the design of larger studies. Who can participate? Patients aged 18 and over with MS What does the study involve? Participants are trained twice a week for one hour in the dance class for a total of 16 weeks. Changes in balance, agility and smoothness of movement are assessed before and after the 16 weeks of classes. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? This study may broaden the scope of treatment and rehabilitation in people with mild to severe MS in the near future at a fraction of the cost of traditional drug treatment. The rehabilitation of motor impairments through dance may improve disease management and the personal and social aspects of a patient’s life. Beyond the common physical and psychological benefits of exercise training, there are potential additional benefits for participants including improvements in neurological (nervous system) disability and walking mobility. There are risks of injury for people engaging in an exercise program after a prolonged period of inactivity. Such risks include strains, sprains, muscle soreness, joint pain and general fatigue, but serious physical injury is unlikely given the screening, physician approval, and oversight by trained exercise specialists and researchers, and periods of rest between interventions. Risks of injury and harm are reduced by including appropriate warm-up and cool-down exercises and promoting gradual increases in exercise over time. The exercise training is performed in an environment with air conditioning and multiple fans to control the temperature. The participants are allowed to drink water as needed through the exercises periods to avoid dehydration. Participants are reminded to stop exercising and inform the staff if they experience a negative reaction such as chest pain, shortness of breath, light headedness, or nausea. Participants are fully informed of the risks of starting an exercise program. Fear of falling, slips, trips and falls are possible during the mobility measurements. This risk will be minimized by allowing for the use of assistive devices (i.e., ankle-foot orthoses and canes) and steady surfaces during testing as well as having a gait belt around the participant’s waist and a research assistant within arms’ reach for stabilizing the participant in the event of a slip, trip or fall. Where is the study run from? University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (USA) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? May 2015 to December 2016 Who is funding the study? National Multiple Sclerosis Society (USA) Who is the main contact? Prof. Citlali Lopez-Ortiz lopezort@illinois.edu