New Methods to Improve Balance and Neural Recovery in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Affiliation(s): University Health Network

Researcher(s): Dr. Kei Masani

Summary:

• Impaired balance affects nearly 75% of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), leading to mobility issues, decrease in physical activity, and a higher risk of falling.
• Dr. Kei Masani and team are exploring methods to combine safe and non-invasive electrical stimulation techniques with balance training to improve mobility in people with MS. By integrating these methods, the researchers aim to create a comprehensive training program that will yield better results than standard exercises alone.
• Findings from this research could lead to new rehabilitation programs that enhance mobility and quality of life for people with MS, while also paving the way for future studies to further validate these approaches.

Project Description:

Impaired balance affects nearly 75% of people with MS leading to mobility issues and higher risk of falling. This can affect someone’s confidence and independence, often resulting in further physical decline and emotional issues like anxiety and depression.

Dr. Kei Masani and team will combine balance exercises with non-invasive electrical stimulation techniques to improve mobility in people with MS. The research team has previously tested this approach in individuals with spinal cord injury and stroke and reported promising results. In this pilot randomized controlled trial, study participants will be assigned to one of three training groups: 1) balance training only; 2) balance training with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), which uses small electrical currents to activate ankle muscles; and 3) balance training with FES and Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSCS), which additionally stimulates the spinal cord to enhance nerve responsiveness. The team will evaluate if any of the three training methods will improve mobility, balance, and nerve function in people with MS after 6 weeks of intervention and at two months post-intervention. By integrating these methods, the researchers aim to create a comprehensive training program that will yield better results than standard exercises alone.

Potential Impact:

The findings of this research will help inform future larger studies that could lead to new rehabilitation programs for people living with MS. If successful, these programs will help people with MS maintain their independence, become more engaged in daily activities, and improve overall quality of life.

Project Status: In Progress