The Effects of Aerobics Training on Balance in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
Standing Balance, with and without blindfold, will be measured on patients with Multiple Sclerosis using a Biodex Balance Scale. A Twelve week intervention with one non impact aerobics group and one control group will be performed. Standing balance will then be retested on all subjects and the results will be statistically compared.

Detailed Description
-----------------
Standing Balance will be tested in 4 phases: On a firm surface eyes open On a frim surface eyes blindfolded On a foam surface eyes open On a foam surface eyes blindfolded The aerobics classes will be conducted by a NIA (Non Impact Aerobics) instructor and will be a combination of tai chi, slow movement dancing, stretching and modified yoga stretches.

Official Title
-----------------
The Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Balance in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Conditions
-----------------
Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Other: Non Impact Aerobics
* Other: Passive : lecture series


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Patients that were diagnosed by a neurologist with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. EDSS scale between 1 and 6. Patients that are able to travel to and from a 12 week program location. Exclusion Criteria: Patients that were diagnosed by a neurologist with primary or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. EDSS scale above 6

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 20 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Health Services Research
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Active non impact aerobics<br>This group will be performing a 12 week non impact aerobics program twice a week. | Other: Non Impact Aerobics<br>* a 12 week, twice a week class in non impact aerobics<br>* Other names: Dancing, NIA, MS;|
| Active Comparator: Control group: Passive lecture series<br>The control group will also be measured for balance and then attend a 12 week lecture series with no exercise. They will then also be remeasured post lectures series | Other: Passive : lecture series<br>* a 12 week, once a week for one hour lecture series with no exercise. Topics will cover symptom management in Multiple Sclerosis<br>* Other names: Lifestyle lectures, symptom management;|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Biodex Scale Balance score: Automated | A patient will step up to a Biodex Balance scale and will be instructed to try and maintain balance on the machine until it produces an automated outcome score for balance. This number is directly related to a fall risk score in patients with neurological compromise. | Change: baseline and 12 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pre and post intervention questionaire | A fifty question questionaire will be administered pre and post intervention. These questions will focus on mood changes, attitude changes and overall quality of life changes related to adding exercise in their daily living. | Change: baseline and 12 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
Multiple Sclerosis, non impact aerobics