NCT06981013 Effects of Torso Weighting on Muscle Activation During Balance Tests in Individuals With and Without Multiple Sclerosis
| NCT ID | NCT06981013 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences |
| Condition | Multiple Sclerosis |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 40 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-03-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-12 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 40 participants in total. It began in 2025-03-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-12.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Rationale: The Balance-Based Torso-Weighting (BBTW) is a patented evaluation system that uses strategic placement of small or lightweight weights on the trunk to improve balance and stability. BBTW has been found to improve the upright mobility of people with multiple sclerosis, however the mechanism underlying the improvement of balance and gait is still unknown.1-2 Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the immediate effects of BBTW on muscle activation of tibialis anterior and gastrocsoleus and sway using electromyography and force plates during balance tests in people with MS and healthy controls?
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis group: * self-reported diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) * age 18 to 75 years old * able to communicate in English * able to provide informed consent * able to tolerate up to three hours of testing with rest breaks * able to walk 20 meters with or without assistive device and without resting (equivalent to Expanded Disability Status Scale of 6.5 or less). Inclusion criteria for the Healthy Control group: * able to communicate in English * able to provide informed consent * physical criteria that matched each participant with MS which included age (within 7 years), height (within 12.7 cm \[5 in\]), mass (within 9.1 kg \[20 lb\]) and sex. Exclusion Criteria for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis group: * exacerbation of MS within the past two months * had a diagnosis of a concurrent neurological disorder (head injury, stroke, Parkinson's disease, etc.) * reported pain that could be exacerbated by external perturbations during standing. Exclusion Criteria for Healthy control group: * Known diagnoses * current pain that could affect balance.
Contact & Investigator
Amie Marie F Jasper, DPT, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
USAHS
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT06981013 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 75 Years, studying Multiple Sclerosis. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT06981013 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT06981013 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at amjasper@usa.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT06981013 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Saint Augustine, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT06981013 clinical trial?
NCT06981013 is sponsored by University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. The principal investigator is Amie Marie F Jasper, DPT, PhD at USAHS. The trial plans to enroll 40 participants.
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