NCT07230015

Combined Motor Imagery and Vestibular Rehab for MS

The Effectiveness of Combination of Motor Imagery and Vestibular Rehabilitation on Balance, Cognition, and Quality of Life in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Medipol University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This trial investigates the first combined use of motor imagery and vestibular rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis, aiming to evaluate their joint effect on balance, cognition, and quality of life.

Detailed description

Multiple sclerosis often causes balance disturbance, cognitive decline, and reduced quality of life. Motor imagery and vestibular rehabilitation are established methods in MS care, but their effects have only been studied separately. This randomized controlled trial introduces a combined program of motor imagery and vestibular training to explore whether their integration provides broader benefits. The study will recruit patients with relapsing-remitting MS, apply an 8-week intervention, and compare outcomes in cognition, balance, physical performance, and quality of life against conventional therapy.

Conditions

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Relapsing-remitting

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Motor Imagery + Vestibular Rehabilitation group	This 8-week program, 3 sessions/week, 55- 60 min each, includes 4 steps: Warm-up (5 min): Breathing exercises progressing from basic diaphragmatic and pursed-lip breathing (weeks 1-2), light movement with breathing (weeks 3-4), to Inspiratory Muscle Training device (weeks 5-8). Motor Imagery (15 min): Foundational phase (weeks 1-2) imagining basic movements, skills building (weeks 3-4) with functional daily tasks, advanced phase (weeks 5-8) imagining complex tasks, environmental and cognitive challenges (e.g., sports, obstacle navigation, walking on uneven surfaces). Vestibular Rehabilitation (15 min): Foundational (weeks 1-2) gaze stabilization and static balance (VOR, VSR, VCR), dynamic balance and dual-task exercises (weeks 3-6), advanced functional balance and vestibular-cognition integration (weeks 7-8). Cool-down (10 min): Relaxation and symptom monitoring to prevent overexertion, dizziness, or fatigue.
BEHAVIORAL	Conventional therapy group	This 8-week program, 3 sessions/week, 55- 60 min each, includes: Warm-up: Seated/standing marching, neck and shoulder stretching. Strength \& Functional Movements: Sit-to-stand, side leg raises, step-ups. Core \& Upper Body: Bridge exercise, seated core activation, seated leg lifts, wall push-ups, seated shoulder press. Flexibility \& Balance: Calf and hamstring stretches, spinal flexibility, single-leg stance, lunges, tandem walking. Cool-down: Deep breathing and gentle stretching.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-12-01
• Primary completion: 2026-03-01
• Completion: 2026-05-01
• First posted: 2025-11-17
• Last updated: 2025-11-21

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)