Motor Imagery and Action Observation for Gait Function in MS
ConditionMultiple Sclerosis
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorHacettepe University
About this trial
This study will investigate whether mentally simulating walking movements while watching others walk can improve walking performance in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Participants will be divided into two groups: one group will watch walking videos and imagine themselves walking, while the other group will watch nature scenes. The study will measure muscle activity and walking patterns to assess the effects. The results may help support the use of mental practice techniques to improve mobility in people with MS.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
A confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) by a neurologist
No history of relapse within the past 3 months and not currently experiencing a relapse
A score of 24 or higher on the standardized Mini Mental State Examination
Disqualifiers
Presence of serious health conditions affecting the muscles, heart, lungs, or metabolism that could interfere with participation
History of other neurological disorders, head injury, or chronic psychiatric conditions
Chronic pain lasting longer than six months
Significant muscle stiffness in the legs that may affect EMG recordings
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Action Observation + Motor Imagery
BehavioralParticipants will watch videos showing walking actions and will be instructed to mentally simulate the movement.
Nature Video
BehavioralParticipants will watch a video of nature scenes.
Treatment groups
20 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Arm 1Experimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Arm 2Other 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Change in Tibialis Anterior and Gastrocnemius Medialis Muscle Activity Amplitude
Change in muscle activity amplitude (microvolts, µV) of tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius medialis during gait initiation measured by surface EMG.
Time frame
Before and immediately after the intervention2
Change in Tibialis Anterior and Gastrocnemius Medialis Muscle Activity Onset Latency
Change in onset latency (milliseconds, ms) of tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius medialis muscle activation during gait initiation measured by surface EMG.
Time frame
Before and immediately after the intervention.3
Change in Step Length
Change in step length (centimeters, cm) during gait initiation measured by the GAITRite system.
Time frame
Before and immediately after the intervention4
Change in Step Time
Change in step time (seconds, s) during gait initiation measured by the GAITRite system.
Time frame
Before and immediately after the interventionSecondary outcomes
1
Motor Imagery Vividness
Kinesthetic and visual imagery vividness will be assessed using the Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire-20 (KVIQ-20), which includes 10 visual and 10 kinesthetic items (20 total). Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = no image/sensation, 5 = vivid image/sensation). Higher scores indicate better imagery ability.
Time frame
Baseline only2
Mental Chronometry Ratio
The ratio between imagined and actual Timed Up and Go (TUG) performance time (both measured in seconds, s) will be calculated. During imagined trials, participants will press a button to mark the start and end of the imagined movement sequence. A ratio closer to 1 indicates better temporal congruence between imagined (iTUG) and executed TUG performance.
Time frame
Baseline only3
Limb Laterality Recognition Performance
Right-left discrimination ability will be evaluated using the Recognise Foot App™ developed by the NOI Group™. Both accuracy (percentage of correct responses, %) and response time (milliseconds, ms) will be recorded.
Time frame
Baseline only4
Cognitive Status
General cognitive functioning will be screened using the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE). The test is scored on a 30-point scale (0-30). Scores ≥24 indicate normal cognitive functioning.
Time frame
Baseline onlyOther outcomes
1
Perceived Task Load
The NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) will be used to measure mental and physical workload related to the task. The scale consists of six subscales: mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration. Each subscale is rated on a 0-100 visual analog scale, and an overall workload score is obtained by averaging the six subscales. Higher scores indicate greater perceived workload.
Time frame
Immediately after the interventionSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov