The Effect of Hybrid Telerehabilitation-Based Structured Exercise Programs in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Trial

Official title:

The Effect of Hybrid Telerehabilitation-Based Structured Exercise Programs on Gait, Functional Capacity, EMG Muscle Activation and Fatigue in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Recruiting

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT06293079
• Other study ID #: BiruniUnive
• Secondary ID: Researcher
• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: August 30, 2023
• Est. completion date: August 30, 2024

Study information

• Verified date: March 2024
• Source: Biruni University
• Contact: Güzin Kaya Aytutuldu
• Phone: 05366265884
• Email: guzinkaya14[@]gmail.com
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial Summary

The aim of our study is to compare the effects of hybrid telerehabilitation (TR)-based exercise program applied in patients with MS, only TR-based exercise program and only clinical-based exercise program on walking speed, functional capacity, peripheral muscle saturation and fatigue. Forty-five individuals with MS with EDSS scores between 0-4 will be included in the study. The patients will be randomized into three groups: Group A, Group B, and Group C. Group A- Telerehabilitation group will be included in an aerobic and strengthening exercise program over the synchronized videoconference system with the physiotherapist 2 days a week for 8 weeks. Group B- Hybrid Telerehabilitation group will be included in the same exercise program 2 days a week for 2 weeks in the clinic, and will continue remotely over the synchronized videoconference system with the physiotherapist 2 days a week for 6 weeks. In Group C-Clinical Based Rehabilitation group, the same exercise program will be applied in the clinic 2 days a week for 8 weeks. In addition to aerobic and strengthening exercises, traditional breathing exercises and energy conservation techniques will be taught to all three groups within the scope of patient education Demographic and clinical information of all patients to be included in the study will be recorded with a "Case Evaluation Form". The gait speed of the patients will be evaluated with the Timed 25-step walking test, their functional capacity with the 6-minute walking test, their Quadriceps muscle activation will be tested with the EMG muscle activation, the fatigue will be evaluated with the "Modified Fatigue Impact Scale", and the Patient Satisfaction with the "Global Rating Scale". In addition, feasibility evaluation will be made by calculating the attendance rate of the patients to the programs. All data will be evaluated by statistical analysis methods.

Description:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic progressive disease that often leads to deterioration of health-related quality of life, including symptoms such as muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, gait disturbances, sensory problems, balance problems, and chronic pain, cognitive and motor impairments. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs that include aerobic and progressive resistance exercises in the treatment of functional disorders by controlling the symptoms of the disease increase the quality of life by improving aerobic capacity, but sustainability can be difficult due to difficulties in accessing the clinic. Following exercise programs with telerehabilitation (TR) methods improves cognitive function, mobility, balance, participation, and quality of life by increasing physical activity and reducing fatigue. However, the details of the frequency, duration, and the way the program is delivered are not known, and although the exercise methods applied with TR methods are found to be as effective as the practices performed in the clinic, the remote limited patient-therapist relationship creates potential problems for patients to follow up on the digital platform. The hybrid TR model, in which a certain part of the exercise program is carried out face-to-face, can provide a solution to these problems by increasing patient-therapist communication. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study examining the effectiveness of a rehabilitation program applied with the hybrid TR model for individuals with MS. The aim of our study is to compare the effects of hybrid telerehabilitation (TR)-based exercise program applied in patients with MS, only TR-based exercise program and only clinical-based exercise program on walking speed, functional capacity, peripheral muscle saturation and fatigue. Forty-five individuals with MS with EDSS scores between 0-4 will be included in the study. The patients will be randomized into three groups: Group A, Group B, and Group C. Group A- Telerehabilitation group will be included in an aerobic and strengthening exercise program over the synchronized videoconference system with the physiotherapist 2 days a week for 8 weeks. Group B- Hybrid Telerehabilitation group will be included in the same exercise program 2 days a week for 2 weeks in the clinic, and will continue remotely over the synchronized videoconference system with the physiotherapist 2 days a week for 6 weeks. In Group C-Clinical Based Rehabilitation group, the same exercise program will be applied in the clinic 2 days a week for 8 weeks. In addition to aerobic and strengthening exercises, traditional breathing exercises and energy conservation techniques will be taught to all three groups within the scope of patient education Demographic and clinical information of all patients to be included in the study will be recorded with a "Case Evaluation Form". The gait speed of the patients will be evaluated with the Timed 25-step walking test, their functional capacity with the 6-minute walking test, their Quadriceps muscle activation will be tested with the EMG muscle activation, the fatigue will be evaluated with the "Modified Fatigue Impact Scale", and the Patient Satisfaction with the "Global Rating Scale". In addition, feasibility evaluation will be made by calculating the attendance rate of the patients to the programs. All data will be evaluated by statistical analysis methods. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of hybrid telerehabilitation program on walking speed, functional capacity, peripheral muscle activation and fatigue in patients with MS.

For these purposes:

• To increase compliance and participation of MS patients in exercises,

• To prevent fatigue by increasing the functional capacity of MS patients who regularly participate in exercise programs,

• To provide a sustainable program for exercise continuity for MS patients who have difficulty reaching the clinic and to examine its effects on fatigue,

• To compare the effects of Telerehabilitation, Hybrid Telerehabilitation and the same exercise programs performed in the clinic on gait speed, functional capacity, peripheral muscle activation and fatigue,

• To examine the statistical differences and relationships between the expected improvements in functional capacity, peripheral muscle activation and fatigue parameters,

• To offer an innovative and effective treatment option to clinicians and experts working in the relevant field with the hybrid telerehabilitation model, which can be an alternative to traditional methods,

• It is aimed to contribute to the literature in this field by transforming the results obtained because of the study into qualified scientific publications.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Recruiting
• Enrollment: 45
• Est. completion date: August 30, 2024
• Est. primary completion date: February 12, 2024
• Accepts healthy volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers
• Gender: All
• Age group: 18 Years to 65 Years

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• EDSS score of 0 - 4.0

• Having high-speed internet access via smartphone or computer

• Getting at least 24 points from the Mini Mental Test

• Being at Stage 3 or above according to the Functional Ambulation Scale.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having hearing or vision problems.

• Participating in any exercise program.

• Having other accompanying neurological, cardiovascular or orthopedic disorders

• A history of MS attacks or a change in medication in the last 6 months.

• Being in a physical condition that cannot do the exercises.

• Comorbid conditions that negatively affect oxygen transport (severe anemia, peripheral artery diseases, etc.)

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Sclerosis

Intervention

Other:
• Exercise Program
Structured rehabilitation program of the groups; Patient education consists of aerobic and strengthening exercises. An information brochure will be given to patients after the first evaluation about the program to be implemented.

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
Turkey	Biruni University	Istanbul

Sponsors (1)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
Biruni University

Country where clinical trial is conducted

Turkey, 

References & Publications (8)

Kjolhede T, Vissing K, Langeskov-Christensen D, Stenager E, Petersen T, Dalgas U. Relationship between muscle strength parameters and functional capacity in persons with mild to moderate degree multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2015 Mar;4(2):151-8. doi: 10.1016/j.msard.2015.01.002. Epub 2015 Jan 12. — View Citation

Kos D, Kerckhofs E, Nagels G, D'hooghe MB, Ilsbroukx S. Origin of fatigue in multiple sclerosis: review of the literature. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2008 Jan-Feb;22(1):91-100. doi: 10.1177/1545968306298934. Epub 2007 Apr 4. — View Citation

Latimer-Cheung AE, Pilutti LA, Hicks AL, Martin Ginis KA, Fenuta AM, MacKibbon KA, Motl RW. Effects of exercise training on fitness, mobility, fatigue, and health-related quality of life among adults with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review to inform guideline development. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2013 Sep;94(9):1800-1828.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2013.04.020. Epub 2013 May 10. — View Citation

Manjaly ZM, Harrison NA, Critchley HD, Do CT, Stefanics G, Wenderoth N, Lutterotti A, Muller A, Stephan KE. Pathophysiological and cognitive mechanisms of fatigue in multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2019 Jun;90(6):642-651. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2018-320050. Epub 2019 Jan 25. — View Citation

Momsen AH, Ortenblad L, Maribo T. Effective rehabilitation interventions and participation among people with multiple sclerosis: An overview of reviews. Ann Phys Rehabil Med. 2022 Jan;65(1):101529. doi: 10.1016/j.rehab.2021.101529. Epub 2022 Jan 25. — View Citation

Morris ME, Cantwell C, Vowels L, Dodd K. Changes in gait and fatigue from morning to afternoon in people with multiple sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2002 Mar;72(3):361-5. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.72.3.361. — View Citation

Rottoli M, La Gioia S, Frigeni B, Barcella V. Pathophysiology, assessment and management of multiple sclerosis fatigue: an update. Expert Rev Neurother. 2017 Apr;17(4):373-379. doi: 10.1080/14737175.2017.1247695. Epub 2016 Oct 21. — View Citation

Tollar J, Nagy F, Toth BE, Torok K, Szita K, Csutoras B, Moizs M, Hortobagyi T. Exercise Effects on Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life and Clinical-Motor Symptoms. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2020 May;52(5):1007-1014. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002228. — View Citation

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Other	Global Rating of Change Scale	Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction: Patient satisfaction will be evaluated with the Global Change Scale. Participants will be asked to express the difference in improvement in their health after treatment compared to before treatment.	1minutes
Primary	Gait Speed	The primary evaluation criterion is walking speed. The timed 25-step walking test will be used to evaluate walking speed. In T25FW, which evaluates lower extremity function, patients are asked to walk a distance of 7.62 m as quickly as possible, but without running and safely, and the completion time is recorded in seconds. The average of the two trials is recorded as the T25FW score. T25FW is the best-defined measurement method for measuring gait impairment in individuals with MS and for evaluating the walking speed of patients with gait impairment in the clinical setting	5 minutes
Primary	Functional Capacity	Functional capacity will be evaluated with a six-minute walk test. The six-minute walk test is a frequently used test that evaluates physical function and walking capacity in patients with MS. According to the principles of the American Thoracic Society, the 6-minute walk test should be performed in the clinic in a 30-meter, flat and hard corridor. The distance walked by the patient is calculated. Patients may stop or slow down if they feel dyspnea. These and similar explanations should be made to the patients. The Borg Dyspnea Scale level, saturation, pulse and blood pressure values should be recorded at the beginning and end of the test.	6 minutes
Secondary	EMG muscle activation	Rectus Femoris and Vastus lateralis muscle activation will be tested with surface EMG device(Myoplus 2 pro); During activation and relaxation of muscle; work average time, during rest; rest average time , average release time will be recorded.	5 minutes
Secondary	EMG muscle activation	Rectus Femoris and Vastus lateralis muscle activation will be tested with surface EMG device(Myoplus 2 pro); During activation and relaxation of muscle; peak torque will be recorded.	5 minutes
Secondary	Modified Fatigue Impact Scale	It is a fatigue scale frequently used in clinical and experimental studies. It evaluates the physical, cognitive and social effects of fatigue. It consists of a total of 21 questions. Each item is given a score between 0 and 4, and a low score indicates a low degree of fatigue. A Turkish validity and reliability study of the this scale has been conducted, and it will be used to determine the fatigue effect in our study	5 minutes