NCT06981013

Effects of Torso Weighting on Muscle Activation During Balance Tests in Individuals With and Without Multiple Sclerosis

Effects of Balance-based Torso Weighting on Muscle Activation During Balance Tests in Individuals With and Without Multiple Sclerosis

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Rationale: The Balance-Based Torso-Weighting (BBTW) is a patented evaluation system that uses strategic placement of small or lightweight weights on the trunk to improve balance and stability. BBTW has been found to improve the upright mobility of people with multiple sclerosis, however the mechanism underlying the improvement of balance and gait is still unknown.1-2 Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the immediate effects of BBTW on muscle activation of tibialis anterior and gastrocsoleus and sway using electromyography and force plates during balance tests in people with MS and healthy controls?

Detailed description

Research Questions: Question #1 - Is there a difference in EMG within postural muscles (tibialis anterior and gastrocsoleus) and between healthy and MS when not wearing weighted vest with eyes open? Question #2 - Is there a difference in EMG within postural muscles (tibialis anterior and gastrocsoleus) and between healthy and MS when not wearing weighted vest with eyes closed? Question #3 - Is there a difference in EMG within postural muscles (tibialis anterior and gastrocsoleus) and between healthy and MS when wearing weighted vest eyes open? Question #4 - Is there a difference in EMG within postural muscles (tibialis anterior and gastrocsoleus) and between healthy and MS when wearing weighted vest eyes closed? Question #5 - Is there a difference in SWAY within postural muscles (tibialis anterior and gastrocsoleus) and between healthy and MS when not wearing weighted vest with eyes open? Question #6 - Is there a difference in SWAY within postural muscles (tibialis anterior and gastrocsoleus) and between healthy and MS when not wearing weighted vest with eyes closed? Question #7 - Is there a difference in SWAY within postural muscles (tibialis anterior and gastrocsoleus) and between healthy and MS when wearing weighted vest eyes open? Question #8 - Is there a difference in SWAY within postural muscles (tibialis anterior and gastrocsoleus) and between healthy and MS when wearing weighted vest eyes closed? Research Design: Quasi-experimental design

Conditions

• Multiple Sclerosis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	balance based torso weighting	The intervention in this study is the Balance-Based-Torso-Weighting (BBTW) which will be applied on individuals with MS and healthy controls. It involves the strategic placement of weights based on the assessment of the loss of balance in three dimensions: anterior-posterior, lateral, rotational to counteract the balance loss.4 The BBTW Evaluation Tool Kit will be used to determine the location of the weights. It consists of an adjustable testing vest; rigid orthotic; five pounds worth of weights divided into 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 lb. increments; and exam evaluation forms (www.motiontherapeutics.com).

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-03-01
• Primary completion: 2026-12-01
• Completion: 2026-12-01
• First posted: 2025-05-20
• Last updated: 2025-05-20

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States