The effects of balance training using the Homebalance instrument in people with multiple sclerosis
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN11744221 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN11744221 |
| Protocol serial number | HomebalanceRS2016 |
| Sponsor | MS centre, Department of Neurology, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague |
| Funder | Impuls Endowment |
- Submission date
- 28/07/2018
- Registration date
- 07/08/2018
- Last edited
- 06/09/2023
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Nervous System Diseases
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
Balance problems are a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), an condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. These balance problems can result in limitations in activity and decreased quality of life for people with MS. While many symptoms of MS are treatable, balance problems cannot be treated with medications as they are too complex. However, a possible treatment option is balance training, which can take different approaches, including supervision by a physical therapist and different exercise tools.
The aim of this study was to look at the effects of a new exercise tool for balance problems called Homebalance in a group of patients with MS.
Who can participate?
Adults with multiple sclerosis and balance problems
What does the study involve?
Participants will be allocated to either the intervention group or the control group.
Participants in the intervention group will be asked to complete 15 minutes of balance training using Homebalance daily for 4 weeks. They will be asked to complete balance-related tests and questionnaires before beginning training (baseline), after 4 weeks of training and 4 weeks after this.
Participants in the control group will be on a waiting list for balance training. This group will also be asked to complete balance-related tests and questionnaires at the baseline and after 4 weeks.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The possible benefit to participants taking part in this study is the balance training may lead to reduced balance problems. There are no known risks to participants taking part in this study.
Where is the study run from?
MS Centre, Department of Neurology, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
November 2011 to June 2017
Who is funding the study?
1. First Faculty of Medicine Charles University and General University Hospital (Czech Republic)
2. Impuls Endowment (Czech Republic)
Who is the main contact?
Klara Novotna
klara.novotna@vfn.cz
Contact information
Public
MS center, Karlovo nam 32
Prague
12000
Czech Republic
 ORCID ID |
0000-0003-1448-8724 |
|---|
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Interventional single-centre non-randomized study |
| Secondary study design | Non randomised study |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Home-based balance training using biofeedback with the Homebalance instrument in people with multiple sclerosis |
| Study objectives | Regular balance training on daily basis in home based setting using Homebalance instrument can improve balance performance in people with multiple sclerosis |
| Ethics approval(s) | Ethical Committee of the First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, Czech Republic, 10/11/2011, No. 253172 627912 GAUK |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Multiple sclerosis with balance difficulties |
| Intervention | Participants in the intervention group received individually tailored home-based balance exercise training using Homebalance® for at least 15 minutes each day for 4 weeks. Participants were allowed to sit and rest during the exercise whenever necessary, and the exercise difficulty was tailored to suit each participant's ability and preferences. Participants on the waiting list for the Homebalance rehabilitation intervention were used as a control group. This group received no intervention. |
| Intervention type | Device |
| Phase | Not Applicable |
| Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s) | - |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Balance was assessed at the baseline, after 4 weeks and at the 4 week follow-up (8 weeks after the start of the intervention) using the following: |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
The following were assessed at the baseline, after 4 weeks and at the 4 week follow-up (8 weeks after the start of the intervention): |
| Completion date | 30/06/2017 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Upper age limit | 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 40 |
| Total final enrolment | 39 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Aged 18-60 years old 2. Multiple sclerosis (clinically stable without relapse or worsening in the previous 3 months) 3. Able to walk with or without a walking aid for at least 20 m (EDSS 1-6.5) 4. Able to maintain a standing position for at least 10 minutes 5. Able to perform exercise |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Inpatient rehabilitation programme during the previous 3 months 2. Orthopaedic problems or other conditions affecting balance and gait performance 3. Blurred vision 4. Severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric disorders 5. Pregnancy 6. Weight over 150 kg 7. Receiving other physiotherapy targeting balance problems 8. Changes in lifestyle prior to or during the study |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/01/2016 |
| Date of final enrolment | 30/03/2017 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Czech Republic
Study participating centre
Prague
12000
Czech Republic
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Data sharing statement to be made available at a later date |
| IPD sharing plan | The data sharing plans for the current study are unknown and will be made available at a later date |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results article | 23/12/2019 | 06/09/2023 | Yes | No | |
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
| Study website | Study website | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Editorial Notes
06/09/2023: Publication reference and total final enrolment added.
08/11/2019: Internal review.
