NCT07461987

Tai Chi and Square-Stepping Exercises in Women With Multiple Sclerosis

The Effects of Tai Chi and Square Stepping Exercises on Joint Position Sense and Clinical Outcomes in Women With Multiple Sclerosis

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 39 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Pamukkale University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 20 Years – 45 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Tai Chi is an exercise approach consisting of slow and controlled movements, whereas square stepping exercises are an exercise method in which specific step patterns are followed. The aim of this study is to comparatively examine the effects of Tai Chi and Square Stepping Exercises on knee joint position sense, lower extremity muscle strength, and fatigue levels in women with multiple sclerosis.

Detailed description

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system observed in young adults. As the disease progresses, impairments occur in motor and sensory functions. Somatosensory inputs, such as knee joint position sense, which is particularly critical for balance and postural control, are frequently affected. In addition to these impairments, a decrease in lower extremity muscle strength and fatigue affecting the vast majority of patients restrict participation in activities of daily living. Within the scope of this study, women diagnosed with MS will be randomized into one of three different intervention arms: a Tai Chi group incorporating postural stability exercises based on the Yang style; a Square Stepping Exercise (SSE) group consisting of coordinated step patterns aimed at improving sensorimotor integration; or a control group in which Frenkel exercises, representing traditional coordination approaches, are applied. Exercise interventions in all groups were planned for 8 weeks, twice a week. The study aims to comparatively demonstrate the effects of Tai Chi and Square Stepping Exercises on knee joint position sense, lower extremity muscle strength, and fatigue levels, and to develop evidence-based strategies for these parameters in MS rehabilitation

Conditions

• Multiple Sclerosis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Tai Chi	Tai Chi will be delivered for 8 weeks, 2 days per week, 1 session per day (total 16 sessions). Each session will last approximately 45-60 minutes and will include warm-up stretching, main Tai Chi practice, and cool-down stretching plus controlled breathing techniques.
BEHAVIORAL	Square Stepping Exercise (SSE)	SSE will be delivered for 8 weeks, 2 days per week, 1 session per day (total 16 sessions). Each session will be completed in approximately 45-60 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down periods.
BEHAVIORAL	Home-based Frenkel Coordination Exercises	Frenkel Coordination Exercises will be delivered as a home program for 8 weeks, 2 days per week, 1 session per day (total 16 sessions). Each session will last 15-30 minutes, excluding rest periods.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-15
• Primary completion: 2026-06-01
• Completion: 2026-06-01
• First posted: 2026-03-10
• Last updated: 2026-03-10

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)