Comprehensive Study of Walking Adaptability and Brain Activity in Adults with Mild Multiple Sclerosis

What this Trial Is About

Multiple sclerosis MS is a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system that often causes walking difficulties, balance problems, fatigue, cognitive challenges, and higher fall risk even in early stages. Standard walking tests may not fully capture these issues because they mainly measure speed or distance, missing the complex adaptations needed for safe walking in everyday life. This research aims to better understand how people with MS adjust their walking in response to changing environments by studying both anticipatory and reactive gait adaptations and their brain activity. The study includes 16 people with MS and 16 healthy adults matched by age and sex. Participants undergo a single testing session where various motor performance tests and questionnaires assess walking, balance, fatigue, and cognitive function. Proactive gait adaptability is tested by having participants walk on a 10-meter path with stepping targets at varying difficulty levels. Reactive gait adaptability is measured using a treadmill system that applies unexpected disturbances while tracking detailed movement and brain blood flow using special sensors. Participants will complete physical tests like the Timed 25-Foot Walk and 6-Minute Walk Test, along with cognitive assessments and balance evaluations. Researchers will record responses to gait challenges and brain oxygen levels during these tasks. The main measures include performance on the Walking Adaptability Ladder Test and reactive gait changes during treadmill perturbations. This comprehensive approach aims to reveal new insights into walking adaptations in MS, supporting improved outcome measures and rehabilitation strategies. The study is expected to run until late 2026.

Gait Adaptability in Persons With MS Having Mild Disability