EMG Biofeedback Training to Improve Balance in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (NCT06461741)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The goal of this clinical trial is to test the impact of a novel dual-task EMG Biofeedback training method for improving balance in individuals living with multiple sclerosis. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer are: * Does dual-task EMG biofeedback training deliver lasting balance benefits up to 3 months following the intervention? * Are the benefits greater than those for participation in traditional balance training exercises? * Do the benefits vary with the severity of disability? Participants will receive either EMG Biofeedback (EMG-BF) training or traditional balance exercise (BAL-EX) training. Both treatments involve three 30-minute sessions of the training every week for 6 weeks (18 sessions). During the sessions, participants in the EMG-BF treatment group will perform targeted exercises using feedback from adhesive (sticker) sensors on their arms and legs. Participants in the BAL-EX treatment group will following an instructor through balance training movements that are traditionally prescribed by physiotherapists to improve balance. Measurements will be taken at the beginning of the study, after six weeks of training, and three months after the end of training. Researchers will compare the groups to see if balance and related outcomes are improved more by 6-weeks of EMG-BF training than BAL-EX.
Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (5 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (6 items).
Location: McMaster University — Hamilton, Ontario
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistCheck every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).
Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:
- Exclusion Criteria:
- Unable to follow instructions due to cognitive deficit or language barrier
- Presence of visual disorders that prevent meaningful interaction with the intervention interface.
- Unable to maintain stable pharmaceutical treatment for the duration of the study.
- Unable to maintain the frequency, duration and intensity of physical therapy or alternate therapies outside of the trial for the duration of the trial.
- Received Botox treatment within 3 months of the onset of the study.
🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- McMaster University — Hamilton, Ontario
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.