Virtual reality augmented exercise in multiple sclerosis patients

ISRCTN ISRCTN13924231
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN13924231
Secondary identifying numbers N/A
Submission date
10/01/2012
Registration date
01/03/2012
Last edited
15/05/2015
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Nervous System Diseases
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English Summary

Background and study aims
This study will investigate if using commercially available active gaming technology, or in other words, virtual reality (VR) augmented exercise, can help people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). Many people with MS have problems with physical function and activity due to balance and muscle problems, as well as pain. This can be a primary factor in the restriction of their activities and therefore has a negative influence on their quality of life. There has been very little research published into the effects of using VR augmented exercise as a rehabilitation tool, and to the knowledge of the researcher there are no published studies investigating the use of this technology for people with MS.

Who can participate?
Men and women aged 18-65 years with a clinical diagnosis of MS.

What does the study involve?
Participants will be randomly allocated to one of three groups:
1. Four weeks of twice-weekly 40-minute sessions of supervised one-to-one visual reality (VR) augmented exercise using the Nintendo Wii™ and Wii Fit™ system.
2. Four weeks of twice-weekly 40-minute sessions of supervised one-to-one 'traditional' physiotherapy prescribed gym-based exercise.
3. Four weeks of usual care.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Participants may experience improvements in terms of pain and function.

Where is the study run from?
Teesside University (UK).

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The study ran from August 2011 to April 2012.

Who is funding the study?
Teesside University (UK).

Who is the main contact?
Mr Jonathan Robinson
J.Robinson@tees.ac.uk

Contact information

Mr Jonathan Robinson
Scientific

Teesside University
Phoenix Building
Middlesbrough
Cleveland
TS1 3BA
United Kingdom

Phone +44 (0)1642 738 313
Email J.Robinson@tees.ac.uk

Study information

Study designExploratory randomised controlled trial
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Hospital
Study typeQuality of life
Participant information sheet Not available in web format, please use the contact details below to request a patient information sheet
Scientific titleAn investigation of the use of virtual reality based augmented exercise for people with multiple sclerosis
Study hypothesisThe aims of the study are to investigate the effect of virtual augmented exercise on
1. The management of pain and function in multiple sclerosis (MS) as recorded through the MS walking scale, pain questionnaire and the World Health Organization Disability assessment Schedule II
2. Investigate the mechanisms underlying any effects through centre of pressure measures and physiological measures of electromyography (EMG)
3. Explore the usability and acceptance of the technology through questionnaires of usability and acceptance
Ethics approval(s)1. National Research Ethics Service Committee North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 1, 21/06/2011, ref:11/NE/0151
2. Teesside University School of Health and Social Care Research Governance and Ethics Committee, 13/04/2011, ref: 097/11
ConditionMultiple sclerosis
InterventionParticipants will be randomly allocated to one of three groups:
1. Four weeks, twice weekly, 40 minute sessions of supervised one-to-one visual reality (VR) augmented exercise using the Nintendo Wii™ and Wii Fit™ system
2. Four weeks, twice weekly, 40 minute sessions of supervised one-to-one 'traditional' physiotherapy prescribed gym based exercise
3. Four weeks of usual care (Control)
Intervention typeBehavioural
Primary outcome measure1. Standing balance during quiet unipedal (standing on one foot) and bipedal (standing on two feet) stance recorded by Kistler™ force plate
2. Dynamic balance during sit-to-stand and ground reaction force
3. Temporal distance parameters of gait stride length, cadence, velocity, single and double limb support time
4. Measures of technology acceptance and exercise experience questionnaires
Secondary outcome measures1. Muscle activity: relationships between electromyography (EMG) and measures of static and dynamic postural stability
2. Self reported walking ability: differences in MSWS12
3. Self reported function: differences in WHODAS II, and pain questionnaires
4. Self reported exertion: Rating of Perceived Exertion
Overall study start date01/08/2011
Overall study end date01/04/2012

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
Upper age limit65 Years
SexBoth
Target number of participants66
Participant inclusion criteria1. Men and women
2. Aged 18-65 years
3. A clinical diagnosis of MS
4. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of one to six (Kurtzke, 1983)
5. Able to read and comprehend written and spoken English (regrettably validated translations of the outcome measure questionnaires are not available)
Participant exclusion criteria1. Currently in acute exacerbation and/or has relapsed within the last three months
2. Diagnoses of any other condition affecting the central nervous system
3. Any musculoskeletal injury or condition for which a health professional has advised the person to refrain from undertaking moderate physical activity
4. Any doubt of ability to give informed consent
5. Currently receiving physical therapy aimed at improvements in fitness and balance
6. Any allergy to conductance gel and/or hypoallergenic tape used during electromyography
Recruitment start date01/08/2011
Recruitment end date01/04/2012

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • England
  • United Kingdom

Study participating centre

Teesside University
Cleveland
TS1 3BA
United Kingdom

Sponsor information

Teesside University (UK)
University/education

School of Health and Social Care
Middlesbrough
Cleveland
TS1 3BA
England
United Kingdom

Email J.robinson@tees.ac.uk
Website http://www.tees.ac.uk
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/03z28gk75

Funders

Funder type

University/education

Teesside University (UK)

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot provided at time of registration
Publication and dissemination planNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Results article results 17/04/2015 Yes No