CompletedNot Applicable

Exercise Balance Program for Fall Prevention in Multiple Sclerosis

Greece30 participantsStarted 2026-02-01

Plain-language summary

Falls and balance impairments are common in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and may negatively affect mobility, independence, confidence in daily activities, and quality of life, while increasing the risk of injury. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a 6-week combined Otago-based and game-inspired balance-training program on static balance, functional mobility, fear of falling, and perceived walking ability in individuals with MS. Thirty participants with MS were randomly allocated to either an intervention group or an active control group. Both groups received fall-prevention counselling and performed home-based Otago-related exercises three times per week. The intervention group additionally received one supervised balance-training session per week using colored-circle and Twister-inspired task-oriented exercises. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and immediately after the intervention period using the FICSIT-4 for static balance, the Timed Up and Go test for functional mobility, the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) for fear of falling, and the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) for perceived walking limitations.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis according to the 2010 McDonald criteria. * Age between 18 and 65 years. * Ability to ambulate independently with or without an assistive device. * Ability to understand and follow exercise instructions. * Written informed consent prior to participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of other neurological, musculoskeletal, or medical conditions that could significantly affect balance or mobility. * Acute relapse of multiple sclerosis at the time of enrollment. * Participation in another structured balance or fall-prevention program during the study period.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Balance Performance (FICSIT-4)

Timeframe: Baseline and immediately after completion of the 6-week intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07331350

SponsorInternational Hellenic University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-05-10

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Multiple Sclerosis trials