Protective Stepping in People With MS
Effects of Protective Step Training in People With Multiple Sclerosis
What it found
The main measure showed a statistically significant benefit.
| Measure | Estimate | 95% CI | p |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training-related Change in Margin of Stability | Mean Difference (Final Values) .029 | .002–0.056 | 0.036 |
| Symbol Digit Modality Test | Spearman's Rho .019 | .92 |
Statistical analysis as posted on ClinicalTrials.gov.
What was tested
Treatment tested
- Protective step training
Results by group
Training-related Change in Margin of Stability
Baseline and Post-test (immediately after the intervention)
| Group | Value | Interval | Number analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step Training (MS Group) | 0.0289 meters | 0.0777 (Standard Deviation) | 27 |
| Step Training (Control Group) | 0.0217 meters | 0.119 (Standard Deviation) | 17 |
Step Training (MS Group)
Step Training (Control Group)
p = 0.036; Mean Difference (Final Values) .029 (95% CI .002–0.056)
Symbol Digit Modality Test
Baseline
| Group | Value | Interval | Number analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Group | 42.44 Units on a scale | 10.33 (Standard Deviation) | 27 |
| Step Training (Control Group) | 51.88 Units on a scale | 8.44 (Standard Deviation) | 17 |
MS Group
Step Training (Control Group)
p = .92; Spearman's Rho .019
Values as posted on ClinicalTrials.gov. Outcomes measured differently across trials are not directly comparable.
Safety
| Group | Participants at risk | Serious adverse events | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step Training (MS Group) | 27 | 0 (0.0%) | 0 |
| Step Training (Control Group) | 17 | 0 (0.0%) | 0 |
As posted on ClinicalTrials.gov. Serious adverse events include any serious health event during the trial, whether or not the treatment caused it.
What it measured
Main measures
Training-related Change in Margin of Stability
Baseline and Post-test (immediately after the intervention)
Symbol Digit Modality Test
Baseline
Thinking and memory
Other measures (2)
Training-related Changes in Reactive Step Length
Baseline and Post-test (immediately after the intervention)
Walking and mobilityTraining-related Change in Reactive Step Latency
Baseline and Post-test (immediately after 2 week intervention)
Myelin repairWalking and mobility
Who could take part
MS (type not specified) · 20 to 80
Show the full criteria
Inclusion criteria
* Neurologist diagnosed MS (for MS participants only) * Ability to Stand for 5 minutes without aid * Ability to comprehend English * At risk for falls (determined via questionnaire; for MS participants only) * EDMUS score \<7 (determined by testers)
Exclusion criteria
* Any non-MS neurological pathology * Orthopedic impairments affecting balance * Previous cardiac events (stroke or heart attack)
As registered. Criteria can change, so ask the trial team or your neurologist.
About this trial
In the sponsor's words
Falls are common in Veterans with multiple sclerosis (MS), and current rehabilitation approaches to reduce falls are inadequate. Protective step training (in which a person is exposed to repeated "slips") is a promising tool to reduce falls in older adults. However, whether this approach is effective in people with MS is unknown. Investigating the effect of promising therapies, such as protective step training, will enhance our ability to treat Veterans with MS who are at risk for falls. Therefore, we will assess whether people with MS improve postural control and reduce falls through protective step training. we will also determine whether cognitive ability or brain structure can predict who will improve most. These data will inform clinical treatment strategies in people with MS at risk for falls.
Papers
Loading reviews and guidelines…
History
Started
Feb 2019
Main results due
Jul 2024
Finished
Aug 2024
Results posted
Jun 2025