Assistive Device Training in Multiple Sclerosis (ADT)
Multiple Sclerosis
About this trial
This is an interventional supportive care trial for Multiple Sclerosis focused on measuring Mobility, walking aids, falls, gait and balance
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Multiple Sclerosis of any type,
- self-reported history of at least 1 fall in the previous year,
- able to walk at least 25 feet with or without an assistive device,
- clinically stable Multiple Sclerosis (no relapse in 30 days prior to enrollment),
- intermittent or constant unilateral or bilateral assistance required to walk,
- right-handed, willingness to remain consistent with medication use and level of physical activity for the duration of the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
- serious psychiatric or medical conditions that would preclude reliable participation in the study,
- dementia (MMSE <24),
- deafness,
- blindness,
- inability to follow directions in English,
- significant upper extremity tremor or weakness,
- more than 1 hour of assistive device training within the previous 3 years,
- any exclusions to receiving MRI scans (implanted devices, anxiety, claustrophobia, body weight over 350 lbs).
Sites / Locations
- VA Portland Health Care System
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
No Intervention
Training group
Wait-list control
Subjects randomized to this group will receive a 6 week Assistive Device Training program in the use of their assistive device. They will have mobility assessments taken at baseline, after the training program has been completed, and 3 months later. During this time, their falls will be recorded monthly using prospective falls calendars. Members of this group will also receive MRI scans at baseline and after the completion of the training program.
Subjects in this group will participate in the same mobility assessments and completion of the falls calendars, but will receive no intervention during this time. These subjects will have the opportunity to receive the training sessions when all assessment visits have been completed. These subjects will not receive MRI scans.