Clinical Trial Summary
The primary objective of this project is to track changes over time in balance control
parameters measured during stance and gait for different groups of multiple sclerosis (MS)
patients. Our primary goal is to determine whether these changes in balance control over time
predict transitions in MS progression to a more disease affected state, and are different
from changes over time for patients with balance deficits due to vestibular sensory
disorders. A part of this goal is also to determine whether these changes in balance control
are correlated with changes in patients' self-reported deficits and are similar to those
changes in balance control of patients with peripheral vestibular loss. The secondary
objective is to determine for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients the relationship of their
balance parameters to different gait speeds, in order to advise them on, and promote via
feedback, safe walking speeds. Fulfilling the first of our objectives would lead to better
tracking of MS disease changes over time, earlier quantification of onset of symptoms
suggesting a worsening of disease status, and, we assume, greater patient satisfaction
knowing that quantification of symptoms fits subjective feelings of balance deficits during
stance and gait. Achieving the second objective would lead to improved balance during gait.
We aim to carry out these objectives using equipment (SwayStar) which we have proven is
sensitive to MS induced balance deficits {2}, but costs far less to operate and maintain than
previously used quantification tools. We aim to investigate the balance deficits during gait
in different MS patient groups using a multimodal approach with a SwayStar system (analysis
of balance during stance and gait in terms of trunk-pelvis movements near the centre of mass)
and patient questionnaires.
