Effects of Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation on Mobility in Cases With Multiple Sclerosis

April 17, 2024 updated by: Gulser CINBAZ, Istanbul Medeniyet University
The primer aim of the study is to examine the effects of the transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (ts-DCS) on mobility in addition to the physiotherapy program to individuals with multiple sclerosis. Our secondary aim is to show the relationship of these effects with ts-DCS through fatigue and quality of life evaluations.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Completed

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

Our study is carried out at Istanbul Cadde Medical Center. The patients who will participate in the study are determined according to the inclusion criteria among the patients who applied to the Multiple Sclerosis Polyclinic of Istanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, Department of Neurology. Transcutaneous spinal direct current will be applied to the individuals participating in our study in 20-minute sessions, 3 days a week for 2 weeks. According to the type of stimulation applied, participants are divided into two groups: experimental and control groups by simple randomization. While cathodal ts-DAU was applied to the patients in the experimental group; Sham ts-DAU is applied to patients in the control group. The same evaluations will be applied to all participants throughout the study, and the evaluations are applied before and after the intervention. The data collected as a result of the evaluations will be analyzed with SPSS version 22.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
22

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Locations

  • Turkey
    • Kadıköy
      • Istanbul, Kadıköy, Turkey, 34744
        • Cadde Tıp Merkezi

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Patients diagnosed with MS and suffering from walking difficulties due to MS
  • EDSS score between 2-6
  • Being over 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Relapsed within the last two months
  • Changed medication within 45 days
  • Hospitalized in the last three months
  • Had other neurological or musculoskeletal problems
  • Had an obstacle to stimulation (skin problems, metal implants, etc.)
  • Do not want to participate in the study individuals

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: ts-DCS Group
ts-DCS will be administered using a direct current stimulator (TCT Research Limited, Hong Kong). 2-mA intensity ts-DCS will be applied to the experimental group, with the active electrode being the cathode electrode. The two electrodes (35-cm2) to be used will be immersed in saline solution (0.9% NaCl). The stimulation electrode (cathodal) will be placed slightly above the spinous process of the T10 vertebral process, while the reference electrode (anodal) will be placed horizontally on the left deltoid.
Device: Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation
Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (ts-DCS), a neuromodulation technique, is one of the non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. ts-DCS occurs when a continuous and low-intensity electric current passes through electrodes with moist sponges placed on the spinal cord.
Other Names:
  • transvertebral direct current stimulation
Sham Comparator: Control Group
ts-DCS will be administered using a direct current stimulator (TCT Research Limited, Hong Kong). 2-mA intensity ts-DCS will be applied to the control group, with the active electrode being the cathode electrode. The two electrodes (35-cm2) to be used will be immersed in saline solution (0.9% NaCl). The stimulation electrode (cathodal) will be placed slightly above the spinous process of the T10 vertebral process, while the reference electrode (anodal) will be placed horizontally on the left deltoid. In the application to the control group, the placement of the electrodes will be the same as the active protocol, and unlike the experimental group, the stimulation will be stopped after 30 seconds. This sham procedure has been reported to be a good pseudostimulation method that does not cause significant experimental effects due to the initial itching sensation it provides.
Device: Transcutaneous Spinal Direct Current Stimulation
Transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (ts-DCS), a neuromodulation technique, is one of the non-invasive brain stimulation techniques. ts-DCS occurs when a continuous and low-intensity electric current passes through electrodes with moist sponges placed on the spinal cord.
Other Names:
  • transvertebral direct current stimulation

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25-FW)
Time Frame: It will be evaluated twice: immediately before and immediately after 2 weeks treatment.
Timed 25 Foot Walking Test was used for objective evaluation of walking. In T25-FW, which evaluates lower extremity function, the individual is asked to walk 25 steps as quickly and safely as possible (if he/she uses a walking aid, this is done together). The time spent walking is recorded in seconds.
It will be evaluated twice: immediately before and immediately after 2 weeks treatment.
Time Up and Go (TUG)
Time Frame: It will be evaluated twice: immediately before and immediately after 2 weeks treatment.
It is a performance-based test used to evaluate functional mobility and walking speed. The person is asked to get up from the chair he/she is sitting on without support from his/her arms, walk 3 meters at a safe and normal speed, turn around, walk back, sit on the chair again, and the time is recorded in seconds (sec). The test is started with the patient's feet flat on the floor and arms resting on the armrest of the chair. Three repetitions are made and the best result is recorded.
It will be evaluated twice: immediately before and immediately after 2 weeks treatment.
Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12)
Time Frame: It will be evaluated twice:immediately before and immediately after 2 weeks treatment.
It is a 12-item rating scale used to assess individuals' perspectives on the impact of their disease on their ability to walk. During the test, patients are asked to rate how much MS affects their mobility, such as standing, walking, running, and climbing stairs, on a 5-point Likert Scale (1=almost not at all, 5=extremely). A high score indicates that walking ability is affected or the patient has difficulty walking. The lowest score can be 12 and the highest score can be 60 from the test.
It will be evaluated twice:immediately before and immediately after 2 weeks treatment.
Gait Speed Assessment
Time Frame: It will be evaluated twice: immediately before and immediately after 2 weeks treatment.
Calculation of walking speed will be done by 2D video analysis method. Kinovea 2D motion analysis software (GPLv2 license, 2019) will be used for analysis. The method has validity and reliability. The videos taken with the cameras placed laterally will be uploaded to the program and the necessary calculations will be made.
It will be evaluated twice: immediately before and immediately after 2 weeks treatment.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)
Time Frame: It will be evaluated twice: immediately before and immediately after 2 weeks treatment.
The scale, which includes the experience of fatigue, its causes and its effects on daily life, consists of 9 questions and is a Likert-type scale where each question takes a value between 0 and 7. The highest score reached is 63. A score of 36 or above indicates a high perception of fatigue severity.
It will be evaluated twice: immediately before and immediately after 2 weeks treatment.
Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS)
Time Frame: It will be evaluated twice: immediately before and immediately after 2 weeks treatment.
Fatigue Impact Scale will be used to evaluate the reflection of fatigue on daily activities in patients. This scale evaluates the physical, cognitive and social effects of fatigue in the last month with a total of 40 questions (0 = no problem, 4 = extreme). The total score ranges from 0-160, with higher scores indicating a higher degree of fatigue impact
It will be evaluated twice: immediately before and immediately after 2 weeks treatment.

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Istanbul Medeniyet University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
November 27, 2023

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
March 30, 2024

Study Completion (Actual)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
March 30, 2024

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
October 23, 2023

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
October 31, 2023

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
November 1, 2023

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
April 18, 2024

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
April 17, 2024

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
April 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • 09.2021.733

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Cookie Settings

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. For more details carefully read our Privacy and Cookies Policy. ...>>>You can change your preferences or withdraw your consent at any time by deleting the cookies from your website or computer as described in the policy. Please accept it and choose your preferences by ticking the corresponding boxes in the "Manage Settings" section below. Please carefully read our Terms of Service before you proceed with using any part of this website.
«Manage Settings