Actively Recruiting
Measurement Properties of the Walking Adaptability Ladder Test and Foot Tap Test in People With Multiple Sclerosis With Mild Disability
Led by Hasselt University · Updated on 2026-04-01
100
Participants Needed
4
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Walking and motor control difficulties are common in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS), even in those with mild disability. Early changes in walking can signal disease progression, but current tests mainly measure time or distance and may miss subtle changes. This research focuses on better ways to assess walking adaptability, which involves adjusting walking patterns in response to challenges like fatigue and balance. The study aims to evaluate two tests, the Walking Adaptability Ladder Test (WALT) and the Foot Tap Test (FTT), in pwMS with mild disability to see how reliable and valid they are. The study will include 50 people with multiple sclerosis and 50 healthy controls matched by age and sex. Participants will complete the WALT, FTT, Balance Recovery Scale, and Gait-Specific Attention Profile twice, one week apart, to test reliability. Additional walking and motor function tests will be performed, including the Timed 25-Foot Walk and the 6-Minute Walk Test. Cognitive processing speed and patient-reported outcomes about walking limitations, fatigue, balance confidence, and fall concerns will also be collected. Data will be gathered in Spain, Italy, and Belgium, with retests performed in Spain. Participants will be assessed through various motor and walking tests, questionnaires, and wearable sensors to record movement. The study will analyze the consistency and accuracy of these tests and compare performance between pwMS and healthy controls. The main measurements are the WALT and FTT performed on two separate days. The research will help identify which tests best detect subtle walking impairments and how clinical test results relate to patients' self-reported experiences. The study participation spans the test days and follow-up for reliability testing.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Measurement Properties of the Walking Adaptability Ladder Test and Foot Tap Test in Multiple Sclerosis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Confirmed diagnosis of definite multiple sclerosis
- Relapse free for at least 30 days
- Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 0 and 3.5
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- Both males and females are eligible
You will not qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with neurological diseases other than multiple sclerosis
- Cognitive decline that prevents performing tests and questionnaires
- Other neurological, orthopedic, or visual impairments affecting walking
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 2 consecutive days
Participants complete walking and motor function tests, cognitive assessments, and patient-reported outcomes to evaluate walking adaptability and motor abilities.
2 visits (in-person) on consecutive days
Duration - Up to study completion date
Data from initial assessments are combined with other data to analyze test reliability, validity, and group comparisons.
No additional visits required
Trial Site Locations
Total: 4 locations
1
REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center
Diepenbeek, Belgium
Actively Recruiting
2
Laboratorio di Biomeccanica ed Ergonomia industriale Università degli Studi di Cagliari
Cagliari, Italy
Actively Recruiting
3
Hospital Universitario de Ponferrada El Bierzo
León, Ponferrada, Spain
Actively Recruiting
4
University of Leon
León, Ponferrada, Spain
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
Z
Zuhal Abasiyanik, PhD
P
Peter Feys
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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