Can a home balance game boost brain and body in MS?
NCT ID NCT07355387
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests a home-based balance training program for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The program combines stepping games, strength, and thinking tasks. Researchers will compare it to a simple stretching routine in 75 adults with MS to see if it improves physical function, thinking, and daily activities.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Functional Balance Intervention (FBI) - a home-based multicomponent balance training program
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a simple, home-based exercise program to help people with MS improve their balance, walking, thinking, and daily life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase feasibility study (75 people). The program may not show clear benefits, and results may not apply to everyone with MS. There is a risk of minor muscle soreness or dizziness.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 75 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2025
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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40 to 90 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria Telephone Screening Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 40-90 years. 2. Self-reported diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. 3. On stable disease-modifying therapy for ≥6 months. 4. No PT/OT balance-related therapy in the past 6 months. 5. Able to stand from a chair independently (with or without hand support). 6. Score 25-75% on the 12-item MS Walking Scale. 7. No other neurological, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, or systemic conditions affecting standing/walking. 8. English speaking. 9. Willing to complete all study procedures including Zoom sessions. 10. Has reliable internet access. 11. Has a helper buddy available for all sessions. 12. Possible mild cognitive impairment based on self-report. Initial Screening Inclusion Criteria: 1. Moderate disability: ePR-EDSS score 4.0-6.5. 2. Mild cognitive impairment: MoCA 18-25, or Jak/Bondi criteria for those scoring 26-30. 3. Physically inactive or moderately active (Godin score \<24). 4. Cardiovascular safety parameters within acceptable limits. 5. No global aphasia (Mississippi Aphasia Screening Test ≥71 percent). 6. Berg Balance Scale score ≥40/56. 7. Able to walk 1 block with or without an assistive device. Helper Buddy Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥18 years. 2. Lives within close proximity to the participant. 3. No self-reported major medical conditions limiting safety assistance. 4. English speaking. 5. Able to attend all training and assessment sessions. 6. Able to assist with basic safety, positioning, and communication with the research team. 7. Has internet access and can use Zoom. Exclusion Criteria Telephone Screening Exclusion Criteria: 1. MS relapse or exacerbation within the past 3 months. 2. Recent major surgery (\<6 months) or hospitalization (\<3 months). 3. Resting shortness of breath or uncontrolled pain \>3/10. 4. Uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes. 5. Bone fracture in the past 6 months. 6. Disability limiting activities of daily living. 7. History of epilepsy or uncontrolled seizures in past year. 8. Sedative medication use that may interfere with training. 9. Use of Alzheimer's/dementia-modifying drugs or enrollment in AD clinical trials. 10. Use of antidepressants or anxiety medications. 11. Moderate or high risk on PAR-Q (≤1 "yes" response). 12. Severe cognitive impairment (TICS-M ≥18). 13. Currently receiving cognitive or physical rehabilitation. 14. Pacemaker use. Initial Screening Exclusion Criteria: 1. Cardiovascular parameters outside safety limits (HR, BP, O₂ saturation). 2. Global aphasia (Mississippi \<71 percent). 3. Peripheral nerve injury. 4. Berg Balance Scale \<40/56. 5. Inability to walk one block with or without an assistive device. Population Exclusions: 1. Non-English speakers (protocol delivered only in English). 2. Individuals under 18 years. 3. Pregnant individuals. 4. Prisoners or other vulnerable populations.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Illinois at Chicago
RECRUITINGChicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
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