Aerobic Fitness in Multiple Sclerosis: The Relationship Between Balance and Sensory Dual-Tasking

NCT07815990 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: SüleymanDU-126/9
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 70
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to comparatively examine the effect of aerobic fitness levels on walking and balance performance, sensory dual-task (proprioceptive and vestibular) performance, balance confidence, and fatigue levels in individuals diagnosed with MS. Research hypotheses H1: MS patients with high aerobic fitness exhibit superior walking speed and balance performance compared to MS patients with low aerobic fitness. H2: In sensory dual-task tests involving proprioceptive and vestibular manipulations (BOSU ball, soft surface, and head movements synchronized with a metronome), MS patients with high aerobic fitness demonstrate better performance than the group with low aerobic fitness. H3: MS patients with high aerobic fitness report higher levels of balance confidence compared to the group with low aerobic fitness. H4: Perceived fatigue is greater in MS patients with low aerobic fitness compared to the group with high aerobic fitness. H5: There is a significant relationship between aerobic capacity levels and sensory dual-task performance, balance confidence, and fatigue severity in MS patients.

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis

Keywords

Multiple Sclerosis; Aerobic Capacity; Dual-Task Performance; Postural Control; Dynamic Balance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• 6-Minute Walk Test

  Participants' aerobic fitness, walking endurance, and functional exercise capacity will be assessed using the 6DKYT. Participants are asked to walk for 6 minutes at their own determined maximum safe pace in a 30-meter straight corridor, and the total distance covered is recorded in meters.

  Day 1

Secondary Outcomes (6)

• Timed 25-Step Walking Test

  Day 1

• Dual Task Performance Test: Standing (Static Balance) Tasks

  Day 1

• Dual Task Performance Test: Walking (Dynamic Balance) Tasks

  Day 1

• Berg Balance Scale

  Day 1

• Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale

  Day 1

Study Arms (2)

Those with High Aerobic Fitness: Joint Clinical and Dual Duty Protocol

Data will be collected once using a Personal Information Form, the Timed 25-Step Walk Test (T25WWT), the Timed Up and Walk Test (TUWT), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Modified Clinical Sensory Interaction Test (MCIET), the Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ASBCS), and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS).

Individuals with Low Aerobic Fitness: Joint Clinical and Dual Duty Protocol

Data will be collected once using a Personal Information Form, the Timed 25-Step Walk Test (T25WWT), the Timed Up and Walk Test (TUWT), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Modified Clinical Sensory Interaction Test (MCIET), the Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ASBCS), and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS).

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

This study was planned as a cross-sectional study, and the target population of the research consists of individuals diagnosed with MS and followed up in Isparta province.

You may qualify if:

• Having been diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting or Progressive MS.
• Being between 18-65 years of age.
• Having an Expanded Disability Status Scale score between 1.5-5.
• Being able to walk independently or with a unilateral assistive device.
• Having full cooperation and orientation, and a cognitive level to understand given commands: Mini Mental Test score of 24 or higher.

You may not qualify if:

• Having experienced an MS relapse or received acute corticosteroid treatment within the last 3 months.
• Having an additional neurological, orthopedic, or rheumatological condition unrelated to MS that may affect balance and walking.
• Having severe cardiovascular or respiratory disease that may make aerobic fitness assessment risky.
• Having significant vision or hearing loss that would impede understanding test instructions.
• Experiencing significant pain during measurements.
• Having cognitive impairment that would prevent understanding or answering questions - scoring below 24 on the Minimental Test.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Suleyman Demirel University: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS; Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System; Nervous System Diseases; Demyelinating Diseases; Autoimmune Diseases; Immune System Diseases

Study Officials

• MELİKE DOĞAN ÜNLÜ, NEUROLOGIST ASSOCIATE PROFESSO

  Suleyman Demirel University

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Central Study Contacts

ALEYNA OZDAMAR YUCEL, MSc

CONTACT

+90 507 950 74 57; aleynayucel@sdu.edu.tr

MEHMET DURAY, associate professor

CONTACT

+90 506 473 11 65; mehmetduray@sdu.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Target Duration: 1 Day
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer, MSc

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 7, 2026
• First Posted: September 11, 2026
• Study Start: September 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): January 15, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 15, 2027
• Last Updated: September 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share