Shocking new hope for MS balance? small trial tests electrical zaps to improve walking
NCT ID NCT07174973
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether adding mild electrical stimulation to leg muscles or the spinal cord during balance exercises can improve mobility and reduce falls in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Up to 24 participants will be randomly assigned to balance training alone, with functional electrical stimulation (FES), or with both FES and transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (TSCS). They will complete 12 supervised sessions over 6 weeks, and researchers will measure changes in walking speed, balance, and confidence.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation (TSCS)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new therapy to improve balance and walking in people with MS, potentially reducing falls and increasing independence.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study with only 24 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The added benefit of electrical stimulation over balance training alone is uncertain.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-Lyndhurst Center
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, m4g3v9, Canada
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