Trekking Poles to Aid Multiple Sclerosis Gait Impairment

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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In this study, the investigators will examine a sample of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) to determine whether their walking function and ability is different depending on which walking assistive device is used.

Detailed Description
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In this study, the investigators will examine a sample of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) to determine whether their walking function and ability is different depending on which walking assistive device is used. In addition, the investigators will examine the psychosocial impact and amount of fatigue induced by each assistive device. Data collection will consist of a series of assessments via survey and physical performance. The analyses will consist of appropriate comparisons of means to determine if the use of different assistive devices alters any of the outcomes.

Official Title
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Trekking Poles to Aid Multiple Sclerosis Gait Impairment

Conditions
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Multiple Sclerosis

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: No device
* Device: Single-point cane (SPC)
* Device: Four-point cane (FPC)
* Device: Trekking pole (TP).


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Be 18-64 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of MS Have perceived walking difficulty Have an EDSS score of < 6, calculated by the physician Ability to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study Exclusion Criteria: Have had a MS exacerbation in the prior 8 weeks Have other serious medical conditions that would impair their ability to participate in gait performance testing (i.e. severe rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis) If the physician deems a participant unsafe to go home with devices Cannot communicate in English Possess greater than a mild decrease in mentation (i.e. a score of >2 on the Mental Functions item of the FSS) Inability or unwillingness of individual to give written informed consent

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 64 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Factorial Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: No Device<br>Assistive device conditions | Other: No device<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>Device: Single-point cane (SPC)<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>Device: Four-point cane (FPC)<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>Device: Trekking pole (TP).<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>|
| Experimental: Single Point Cane<br>Assistive device condition | Other: No device<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>Device: Single-point cane (SPC)<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>Device: Four-point cane (FPC)<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>Device: Trekking pole (TP).<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>|
| Experimental: Four-Point Cane<br>Assistive device condition | Other: No device<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>Device: Single-point cane (SPC)<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>Device: Four-point cane (FPC)<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>Device: Trekking pole (TP).<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>|
| Experimental: Trekking Pole<br>Assistive device condition | Other: No device<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>Device: Single-point cane (SPC)<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>Device: Four-point cane (FPC)<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>Device: Trekking pole (TP).<br>* Compare walking function and ability in a sample of persons with MS under four different assistive device conditions: no device, single-point cane (SPC), four-point cane (FPC) and trekking pole (TP).<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Composite measures of walking | Temporal and spatial parameters of gait/walking (measured with the GAITRite portable walkway system) | 1 year | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Multiple Sclerosis, Walking, Gait