Studies
| Study Title: | Innovative Approaches to Enhance Balance and Neuroplasticity in Multiple Sclerosis: Evaluating the Combined Effects of Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation, Functional Electrical Stimulation, and Visual Feedback Balance Training |
| Rationale: | To help improve balance & mobility. |
| Study Description: | We are studying whether combining balance training with different types of non-invasive electrical stimulation can improve balance and walking in people living with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). We are comparing three approaches: balance training with sham (placebo) stimulation; balance training with functional electrical stimulation (FES); and balance training with transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS) combined with FES.
Participants will be involved in the study for approximately 3 months. They will attend 12 balance training sessions (2 per week for 6 weeks; each session lasts about 2 hours) and 6 assessment sessions (2 before training, 2 immediately after training, and 2 at an 8-week follow-up). Each assessment session lasts approximately 2–3 hours. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three training groups. The clinical trial is taking place at 520 Sutherland Drive, Lyndhurst Center, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario M4G 3V9. The information collected will help researchers better understand whether electrical stimulation combined with balance training can improve balance and walking in PwMS. The results may help improve rehabilitation strategies and develop more effective treatment programs for PwMS. Study findings may be published in scientific journals or presented at conferences and community settings. Individual participants will not be identified in any reports or publications. |
| Starting Date: | 2026-02-01 |
| Ending Date: | 2028-03-31 |
| Who can participate: | Adults diagnosed with MS who have balance or walking difficulties, able to stand and take a few steps (with or without a mobility aid). Outpatients only. Please email shirin.tajalli@uhn.ca to express interest in participating in this study. |
| Trial Institution: | University Health Network |
| Trial Investigator: | Dr.Kei Masani, Dr.Shirin Tajali |
| Contact Information: | shirin.tajalli@uhn.ca |
| Trial Funding: | MS Canada |
| ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT07174973 |