Exploring the Use of Non-invasive Neuromodulation Combined With Exercise in People With Advanced Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

The investigators hypothesis is that electrical stimulation to the tongue that directly stimulates two cranial nerve nuclei (Trigeminal and Facial Nerve Nuclei), will excite neural impulses to the brainstem and cerebellum. The investigators call this cranial nerve non-invasive neuromodulation (CN-NINM). The activation of these structures induces neuroplasticity when combined with specific physical exercises, can reduce symptoms of advanced MS, targeting primarily postural stability (sitting and standing), upper extremity movement, and ability to perform self-transfers.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis
• Intervention / Treatment: Device: Neuromodulation Rehabilitation

Detailed Description

The intervention will be similar to that used in the investigators previous work with movement disorders, and will be tailored to the address issues unique to individuals with advanced MS.

The study will enroll a total of 6 subjects having advanced MS that present with significant seated and standing balance, posture, or movement control deficits due to MS.

Subjects will complete twice-daily lab training for two weeks (5 days/week). Each lab training (morning and afternoon) includes 1.5 to 2 hours of instruction in balance, posture and gait activities; therapeutic exercise for isolated muscle control; transfer training; and relaxation training.

Activities are performed in 20-minute sessions with concomitant electrical stimulation of the tongue. The intervention is customized according to each subject's particular symptoms and tolerance. If a subject is not able to perform this amount of training, the training will be adapted to a level that is tolerable.

After these 2 weeks, subjects will continue to perform these same intervention activities at home for 4 weeks. They will return to the lab for 1 week of training and testing, then perform home training for 4 weeks. This cycle is repeated for a total of 5 cycles.

After the 6 months have been completed, subjects may choose to participate in an optional second phase of the study. The second phase includes an additional 12 months of participation in which subjects perform the intervention activities at home training and return to the lab on time per month for 2 hours of testing and 2 hours of training.

If successful, this study would indicate that CN-NINM intervention may reduce the symptoms of advanced MS.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 6
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Wisconsin
    • Madison, Wisconsin, United States, 53711
      • TCNL, 455 Science Drive, Suite 165

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years to 90 years (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects must be age 18 or older.

• Subjects will have a score between 6.5 to 7.5 on the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The EDSS is a method of quantifying disability in people with multiple sclerosis.

  • Score of 6.5: needs constant bilateral support to walk 20 meters without resting.
  • Score of 7.0: unable to walk beyond five meters even with aid, and is essentially restricted to a wheelchair; wheels self and transfers alone, and is active in wheelchair about 12 hours a day.
  • Score of 7.5: unable to take more than a few steps and is restricted to wheelchair, and may need aid to transfer; wheels self, but may require a motorized chair for a full day's activities.

• Subjects will have reached a plateau in an MS focused physical rehabilitation program in the 6 months prior to enrollment.

  • Requiring prior physical therapy will ensure that subjects have a core level of function that will allow them to participate in the study.
  • Requiring that subjects have reached a plateau will ensure that subjects' response to the intervention is due to the use of the device and not to the physical exercises alone.
  • Subjects who have participated in a physical rehabilitation program demonstrate that they are willing and able to commit to a rigorous training regimen.
• Subjects will have a maximum score of 20 on the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS). The TIS assesses static dynamic sitting balance and trunk coordination in a sitting position. A score of 20 or lower indicates that their ability to adequately maintain sitting posture is affected.
• Subjects may have upper extremity involvement.
• Subjects may have additional symptoms of nystagmus, dysarthria, sensory disturbance, pain, and/or bowel and bladder function. As they present, we will use appropriate assessments at baseline and successive study test points.
• Subjects are their own legal guardians, and are able to understand and give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

Subjects will have no major co-morbidities, especially neurological disorders, uncontrolled pain, hypertension or diabetes. All subjects, if on medications, will not have had any major changes in type or dosage in within 3 months of enrollment. Additionally, candidates will be excluded if they:

• have Functional Systems Scores (FSS) 4 or greater for pyramidal, cerebellar, brainstem, and sensory functions; 3 or greater for bowel and bladder function; and 2 or greater for cerebral function;
• are able to walk independently;
• use tobacco products (these activities tend to reduce tactile sensitivity in the oral cavity);
• have any oral abrasions, cuts, cold sores, piercings, tissue inflammation, or have had oral surgery within the previous 3 months;
• have a pacemaker, or are identified as at-risk for cardiovascular events;
• have a history of seizures;
• have a communicable disease;
• have a biomechanical prosthetic;
• are females who are pregnant.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: N/A
• Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

1

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Neuromodulation Rehabilitation; Balance, posture and gait activities; therapeutic exercise for isolated muscle control; transfer training; and relaxation training using neurostimulation modulation. 2-week in lab intervention training, training at home and periodic return for follow-up testing and instruction on the next phase of the intervention.	Device: Neuromodulation Rehabilitation; CN-NINM uses sequenced patterns of electrical stimulation on the tongue. Our hypothesis is that CN-NINM induces neuroplasticity by noninvasive stimulation of two major cranial nerves: trigeminal, CN-V, and facial, CN-VII.; Other Names: Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS); Cranial Nerve Non-invasive Neuromodulation (CN-NINM)

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS)	Static and dynamic sitting balance and trunk coordination are evaluated by a clinician. It is scored on a scale from 0-23, where the higher the score, the more improved the balance. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, and 21 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Static Standing Balance Test	Clinician measures standing balance for up to 30 seconds in each of 5 conditions: feet 10 cm apart, feet together, stride stance, tandem stance, and single leg stance with eyes open and eyes closed. Total score is the sum of all 5 conditions. Higher scores indicate better balance. Performance-based and tested in participants who possessed the ability to perform the assessment. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks
Impact of Visual Impairment Scale (IVIS)	A 5-item self-report questionnaire that assesses the extent to which various activities dependent upon vision are affected by MS-related visual problems. Scores range from 0-15, with higher scores indicating a greater impact of visual problems on daily activities. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, and 21 weeks
Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Pain Effects Scale (PES)	A self-report scale that assesses the ways in which pain and unpleasant sensation interfere with mood, ability to walk or move, sleep, work, recreation, and enjoyment of life. This assessment is used for subjects who have pain. Scores can range from 6-30. Items are scaled so that higher scores indicate a greater impact of pain on a patient's mood and behavior. Symptom specific test, only used for participants who presented symptom. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, and 21 weeks
Bladder Control Scale (BLCS)	A 4-item self-report scale to evaluate the impact of bladder control on lifestyle. This assessment is used for subjects with bladder issues. Scores can range from 0-22, with higher scores indicating greater bladder control problems. Symptom specific test, only used for participants who presented symptom. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks
Bowel Control Scale (BWCS)	A 5-item self-report scale to evaluate the impact of bowel control on lifestyle. This assessment is used for subjects with bowel issues. Scores can range from 0-26, with higher scores indicating greater bowel control problems. Symptom specific test, only used for participants who presented symptom. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks
Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS)	A brief, clinician-administered test that helps determine the neuropsychological status of adults who have neurologic injury or disease such as dementia, head injury, and stroke. This tool consists of a battery of tests. Raw scores are transformed to a 0-120 scale, with a higher score indicating higher function. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks
Walking Distance	Clinician measures how far the individual can walk until fatigue requires him/her to stop. Longer distances demonstrate improvement. Performance-based and tested in participants who possessed the ability to perform the assessment. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks
Walking Speed	Assessed by timing the first 25 feet that the person walked. Performance-based and tested in participants who possessed the ability to perform the assessment. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks
12-item MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12)	A 12-item self-report measure of the impact of MS on a person's walking. Raw scores are transformed to a 0-100 scale. A reduction in score indicates improvement. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks
Box & Blocks (B&B) Assessment - Right	A standardized clinical assessment of gross upper limb dexterity. Subjects move small blocks from one side of a box to the other within a time period (one minute). Each side is tested separately. The score is the number of blocks moved from 0-150. A higher score indicates improvement. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks
Box & Blocks (B&B) Assessment - Left	A standardized clinical assessment of gross upper limb dexterity. Subjects move small blocks from one side of a box to the other within a time period (one minute). Each side is tested separately. The score is the number of blocks moved from 0-150. A higher score indicates improvement. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks
Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) - Physical	A 29-item self-report tool that measures the impact of MS on day-to-day life. There are 3 scores, physical, psychological, and total score. Raw scores are transformed to a 0-100 scale. A higher score indicates a greater impact of disease on daily function. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks
Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) - Psychological	A 29-item self-report tool that measures the impact of MS on day-to-day life. There are 3 scores, physical, psychological, and total score. Raw scores are transformed to a 0-100 scale. A higher score indicates a greater impact of disease on daily function. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks
Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS)	A self-report tool that assesses the perceived impact of fatigue on daily activities. Consists of 21 items selected from the Fatigue Impact Scale. Scored on a 0-84 scale. A higher score indicates a greater impact of fatigue on daily activities. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks
Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)	The GMFM a standardized observational instrument that measures change in gross motor function. Subscales include lying & rolling; sitting; crawling & kneeling; standing; and walking, running & jumping. For the complete test, the raw scores are converted to a 0-100 scale, with higher scores indicating greater functional mobility. The items that we used were scored on a 0-3 scale and changes reported in percent improvement. Performance-based and tested in participants who possessed the ability to perform the assessment. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks
Slump Test	Measures and quantifies changes in trunk control during functional sitting. It was quickly determined that this test duplicated the TIS and was difficult to score objectively so the decision was made not to use it for the study. Performance-based and tested in participants who possessed the ability to perform the assessment.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks
Modified Rivermead Mobility Index	An 8 item assessment that quantifies the ability to perform transfers. It has been validated in persons with stroke and a mixed neurologic population (43% MS). Score is a 0-40 scale. A higher score indicates higher function. Performance-based and tested in participants who possessed the ability to perform the assessment. Effect size is reported (quantified difference between baseline and time point). The larger the absolute value, the stronger the effect. Cohen's guidelines for social sciences indicate 0.10 as a "small" effect size, 0.30 as a "medium" effect size, and 0.50 as a "large" effect size.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks

Other Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Video Nystagmography (VNG)	VNG is a standardized eye tracking test used to measure static and dynamic eye movement control to detect oculomotor abnormalities typically associated with degenerative neurological disorders, particularly in the brainstem and cerebellum. The subject wears goggles while an infrared video camera monitors and records eye movement as the eyes follow a dot on a computer screen.	Change from Baseline at 2, 6, 11, 16, 21 and 27 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Mitchell E Tyler, MS, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: March 1, 2014
• Primary Completion (Actual): January 1, 2017
• Study Completion (Actual): June 28, 2017

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: July 15, 2014
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: September 25, 2014
• First Posted (Estimate): September 30, 2014

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): July 9, 2019
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 27, 2019
• Last Verified: June 1, 2019

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: MS; control; balance; movement; standing
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pathologic Processes; Nervous System Diseases; Immune System Diseases; Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS; Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System; Demyelinating Diseases; Autoimmune Diseases; Multiple Sclerosis; Sclerosis
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2013-1060

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: Yes