Music-assisted treadmill training in the rehabilitation of patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Organizational Data

DRKS-ID:
DRKS00023709
Recruitment Status:
Recruiting ongoing
Date of registration in DRKS:
2021-01-07
Last update in DRKS:
2022-10-07
Registration type:
Prospective

Acronym/abbreviation of the study

MATT-MS

URL of the study

No Entry

Brief summary in lay language

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a progressing disease of unknown origin. In Germany ca. 250000 patients suffer from a MS, while about 10000 patients per year are newly diagnosed. MS is the leading cause for acquired, non-traumatic disability in adulthood, oftentimes resulting in early retirement and reduction of the quality of life. Especially the cognitive (40-65%) and motor impairment (85%) are the main reason for these impacts on patients’ lives. It is the aim of MS-therapies, like physiotherapy or cognitive therapy, to improve cognition as well as gait and balance. However, in clinical routines this usually happens independently, neglecting the fact, that motor and cognitive functions are related requiring a rather holistic approach. The use of devices and robotics in therapy therefore gained increasing interest. The music-assisted treadmill “Gait Trainer” (GT) 3.1. (Biodex Medical System, 20 Ramsay Road, Shirley, NY, USA) offers the possibility to combine the therapeutic strategies of rhythmical auditory cueing (RAC) and visual feedback (vFB) with gait training. RAC is a well-known therapeutic strategy in the management of Parkinson patients, which is successfully applied in combination with the treadmill training. The requirement to synchronize gait with the beat of the music represents an active cognitive demand, while walking on the treadmill is the motor demand. Even though, RAC is rather known form the Parkinson therapy, studies in MS have shown positive effects on gait parameters as well as the positively motivating character of the music during training. For the underlying mechanisms it is assumed, that RAC functions as a “bottom-up” stimulation bypassing deficient neural networks and inducing neural adaptation resulting in better motor and cognitive performance. It is therefore the aim of the planned project to evaluate the music-assisted treadmill training (MATT) as a new MS-therapy option in a German in-patient rehabilitation setting and to examine preliminary effects of this training on motor and cognitive functions as well as on patient-centered outcomes. Furthermore, patients will rate the training subjectively, which is a new aspect in therapeutic research.

Brief summary in scientific language

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease of unknown origin. In Germany the prevalence is at ca. 250000 patients, while the yearly incidence is at ca. 10000. The inflammatory-degenerative processes in MS cause a multidimensional neurological disease, which is the leading cause for acquired, non-traumatic disability in adulthood oftentimes resulting in early retirement and reduction of the quality of life. Especially the cognitive (40-65%) and motor impairment (85%) are the main reason for these impacts on patients’ lives. It is the aim of non-pharmacological MS-therapies, like physiotherapy or cognitive therapy, to improve cognition as well as gait and balance. However, in clinical routines this usually happens independently, neglecting the fact, that motor and cognitive functions are related entities that require a rather holistic approach. The use of devices and robotics in therapy therefore gained increasing interest. The music-assisted treadmill “Gait Trainer” (GT) 3.1. (Biodex Medical System, 20 Ramsay Road, Shirley, NY, USA) offers the possibility to combine the therapeutic strategies of rhythmical auditory cueing (RAC) and visual feedback (vFB) with gait training. RAC is a well-known therapeutic strategy in the management of Parkinson patients, which is successfully applied in combination with the treadmill training. The requirement to synchronize gait with the beat of the music represents a cognitively active demand, while walking on the treadmill is the motor demand. Even though, RAC is rather known form the Parkinson therapy, studies in MS have shown positive effects on gait parameters as well as the positively motivating character of the music during training. For the underlying mechanisms it is assumed, that RAC functions as a “bottom-up” stimulation bypassing deficient networks and inducing neuroplasticity resulting in better motor and cognitive performance. It is therefore the aim of the planned project to evaluate the music-assisted treadmill training as a new MS-therapy option in a German in-patient rehabilitation setting and to examine preliminary effects of this training on motor and cognitive functions as well as on patient-centered outcomes. Furthermore, patients will rate the training subjectively, which is a new aspect in therapeutic research.

Health condition or problem studied

ICD10:
G35 - Multiple sclerosis
Healthy volunteers:
No Entry

Interventions, Observational Groups

Arm 1:
Music-assisted treadmill training (MATT): If a patient decides to participate in the study (written informed consent necessary) he/ she undergoes the baseline assessment (T0). During that sociodemographic (age, gender, education, profession, marital status, housing situation, musicality), clinical (MS form, locations of sclerosis, years since diagnosis, years since symptomatic manifestation, disease severity, medication, self-efficacy (FERUS), fatigue (KFE and MSFC), depression (ADS), risk for falls (FES-I, SAFFE, ABC), physical activity level (IPAQ), functional independence (FIM), quality of life (MSQoL-54)), motor (fine motor function (NHPT), walking speed (T25FW), steps/ min, gait security (TUG), dual-task walking (DTGT), balance (BBS), walking capacity (6mWT)), and cognitive data (processing speed (PASAT), attention (TAP), flexibility (TAP), inhibition (TAP), visuo-cognition (TAP), verbal and non-verbal short-term memory (WMS-R), verbal and non-verbal working memory (WMS-R), word-finding (GFWF)) will be collected. Furthermore, training related parameters will be obtained: ability to synchronize hand-clapping to a given beat, patient’s rehab goals (GAS). After baseline-testing patients will be randomized into the experimental (MATT) or the control group (regular treadmill training without music, LB). Patients in both groups receive 10 training sessions, each 30 minutes long. The goal is a training-adherence rate of 80%. Patients rate their motivation and mood (4-level likert scale) before each training as well as their exhaustion and fun after each training (4-level likert scale). The daily training sessions will be video taped to evaluate the percentage of synchronized steps post-training. Additionally, training data, such as adverse events, initial and final speed, number and duration of breaks, use of handrails, will be documented in a training log on a daily base. After the intervention phase a post-assessment will be conducted, including clinical fatigue (KFE and MSFC), depression (ADS), risk for falls (FES-I, SAFFE, ABC), functional independence (FIM), quality of life (MSQoL-54)), motor (fine motor function (NHPT), walking speed (T25FW), steps/ min, gait security (TUG), dual-task walking (DTGT), balance (BBS), walking capacity (6mWT)), and cognitive parameters (processing speed (PASAT), attention (TAP), flexibility (TAP), inhibition (TAP), visuo-cognition (TAP), verbal and non-verbal short-term memory (WMS-R), verbal and non-verbal working memory (WMS-R), word-finding (GFWF)) as well as training related data (ability to synchronize hand-clapping to a given beat, relevance of training concerning patient’s rehab goals, and usability (SUS). Another six weeks later patients will be contacted over the phone for a telephone follow-up interview, which re-assesses selected clinical (self-efficacy (FERUS), fatigue (KFE and MSFC), depression (ADS), risk for falls (FES-I, SAFFE, ABC), physical activity level (IPAQ), functional independence (FIM), quality of life (MSQoL-54)) and cognitive parameters (verbal short-term memory (WMS-R), verbal working memory (WMS-R), word-finding (GFWF)).
Arm 2:
Regular treadmill training without music (LB): If a patient decides to participate in the study (written informed consent necessary) he/ she undergoes the baseline assessment (T0). During that sociodemographic (age, gender, education, profession, marital status, housing situation, musicality), clinical (MS form, locations of sclerosis, years since diagnosis, years since symptomatic manifestation, disease severity, medication, self-efficacy (FERUS), fatigue (KFE and MSFC), depression (ADS), risk for falls (FES-I, SAFFE, ABC), physical activity level (IPAQ), functional independence (FIM), quality of life (MSQoL-54)), motor (fine motor function (NHPT), walking speed (T25FW), steps/ min, gait security (TUG), dual-task walking (DTGT), balance (BBS), walking capacity (6mWT)), and cognitive data (processing speed (PASAT), attention (TAP), flexibility (TAP), inhibition (TAP), visuo-cognition (TAP), verbal and non-verbal short-term memory (WMS-R), verbal and non-verbal working memory (WMS-R), word-finding (GFWF)) will be collected. Furthermore, training related parameters will be obtained: ability to synchronize hand-clapping to a given beat, patient’s rehab goals (GAS). After baseline-testing patients will be randomized into the experimental (music-assisted treadmill training, MATT) or the control group (LB). Patients in both groups receive 10 training sessions, each 30 minutes long. The goal is a training-adherence rate of 80%. Patients rate their motivation and mood (4-level likert scale) before each training as well as their exhaustion and fun after each training (4-level likert scale). Training data, such as adverse events, initial and final speed, number and duration of breaks, use of handrails, will be documented in a training log on a daily base. After the intervention phase a post-assessment will be conducted, including clinical fatigue (KFE and MSFC), depression (ADS), risk for falls (FES-I, SAFFE, ABC), functional independence (FIM), quality of life (MSQoL-54)), motor (fine motor function (NHPT), walking speed (T25FW), steps/ min, gait security (TUG), dual-task walking (DTGT), balance (BBS), walking capacity (6mWT)), and cognitive parameters (processing speed (PASAT), attention (TAP), flexibility (TAP), inhibition (TAP), visuo-cognition (TAP), verbal and non-verbal short-term memory (WMS-R), verbal and non-verbal working memory (WMS-R), word-finding (GFWF)) as well as training related data (ability to synchronize hand-clapping to a given beat, relevance of training concerning patient’s rehab goals, and usability (SUS). Another six weeks later patients will be contacted over the phone for a telephone follow-up interview, which re-assesses selected clinical (self-efficacy (FERUS), fatigue (KFE and MSFC), depression (ADS), risk for falls (FES-I, SAFFE, ABC), physical activity level (IPAQ), functional independence (FIM), quality of life (MSQoL-54)) and cognitive parameters (verbal short-term memory (WMS-R), verbal working memory (WMS-R), word-finding (GFWF)).

Endpoints

Primary outcome:
Acceptance: Participation rate (% of participating patiens in relation to eligible patients, constant documentation, evaluation in the final analysis), training-adherence-rate (% of absolved trainings in relation to scheduled trainings, constant documentation, evaluation in the final analysis), completion-rate (% of completing patients in relation to included patients, constant documentation, evaluation in the final analysis), adverse events (eg. falls/ almost falls, training abortions due to motor or cognitive exhaustion as well as training induced unwell-being or pain, constant documentation, evaluation in the final analysis) Feasibility: Rehab goals (Goal Attainment Scale, T0), Usability of the training (System Usability Scale, T1), relevance of the training to achieve personal goals (4-level Likert Scales to rate how far the goals set at T0 were achieved during training, T1), patients’ rating of the training concerning motivation, mood, fun, and exhaustion (4-level Likert Scales, daily (motivation and mood rated before training, fun and exhaustion are rated after training), ability to synchronize steps to metronome/ music (video evaluation on daily base rating percentage of steps in synchronization with the beat, overall percentage used in the final analysis)
Secondary outcome:
Cognition (processing speed (TAP), attention(TAP), flexibility (TAP), inhibition (TAP), visuo-cognition (TAP), verbal and non-verbal memory (WMS-R), working memory (WMS-R), word finding ability (GFWF)) Motor function (hand function (NHPT), walking speed (T25FW), steps/ min, safety of gait (TUG), dual-task gait (DTGT), balance (BBS), walking endurance (6MinWT)) clinical data (fatigue (FSMC), depression (ADS), fear of falling (FES-I, SAFFE, ABC), physical activity level (IPAQ), functional independence (FIM), quality of life (MSQOL-54))

Study Design

Purpose:
Treatment
Allocation:
Randomized controlled study
Control:
  • Active control (effective treatment of control group)
Phase:
II
Study type:
Interventional
Mechanism of allocation concealment:
No Entry
Blinding:
No
Assignment:
Parallel
Sequence generation:
No Entry
Who is blinded:
No Entry

Recruitment

Recruitment Status:
Recruiting ongoing
Reason if recruiting stopped or withdrawn:
No Entry

Recruitment Locations

Recruitment countries:
  • Germany
Number of study centers:
Monocenter study
Recruitment location(s):
  • Medical center Neurologisches Rehabilitationszentrum "Godeshöhe" e.V. Bonn- Bad Godesberg

Recruitment period and number of participants

Planned study start date:
2021-01-15
Actual study start date:
2021-01-14
Planned study completion date:
No Entry
Actual Study Completion Date:
No Entry
Target Sample Size:
68
Final Sample Size:
No Entry

Inclusion Criteria

Sex:
All
Minimum Age:
no minimum age
Maximum Age:
no maximum age
Additional Inclusion Criteria:
MS diagnosis according to Lublin criteria confirmed by a medical doctor. No contraindications against treadmill training. No other neurological or psychiatric illness that limit comprehension of the study protocol and/ or to give an informed consent, understanding test- and/ or training instructions, and safety concerns. Moreover patients must not have illnesses that cause concurrent cognitive and/ or motor impairment have. Patients are able and willing to provide a written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

Continuously changing medication. insufficient knowledge of the German language to follow test- and/ or training instructions. Uncorrected auditory or visual impairment. Severe cognitive impairment (criteria: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) > 17 points; Freitas et al., 2014). Scheduled length of stay of less than 14 days, which would not allow completing the study protocol.

Addresses

Primary Sponsor

Address:
Neurologisches Rehabilitationszentrum "Godeshöhe" e.V.
Waldstr. 2-10
53177 Bonn
Germany
Telephone:
No Entry
Fax:
No Entry
Contact per E-Mail:
Contact per E-Mail
URL:
No Entry
Investigator Sponsored/Initiated Trial (IST/IIT):
Yes

Contact for Scientific Queries

Address:
Neurologisches Rehabilitationszentrum "Godeshöhe" e.V.
MSc Mareike Eschweiler
Waldstr. 2-10
53177 Bonn
Germany
Telephone:
+49228381559
Fax:
No Entry
Contact per E-Mail:
Contact per E-Mail
URL:
https://www.godeshoehe.de/homepagewillkommen.html

Contact for Public Queries

Address:
Neurologisches Rehabilitationszentrum "Godeshöhe" e.V.
MSc. Mareike Eschweiler
Waldstr. 2-10
53177 Bonn
Germany
Telephone:
0228381559
Fax:
No Entry
Contact per E-Mail:
Contact per E-Mail
URL:
https://www.godeshoehe.de/homepagewillkommen.html

Principal Investigator

Address:
Neurologisches Rehabilitationszentrum "Godeshöhe" e.V.
MSc Mareike Eschweiler
Waldstr. 2-10
53177 Bonn
Germany
Telephone:
+49228381559
Fax:
No Entry
Contact per E-Mail:
Contact per E-Mail
URL:
https://www.godeshoehe.de/homepagewillkommen.html

Sources of Monetary or Material Support

Institutional budget, no external funding (budget of sponsor/PI)

Address:
Neurologisches Rehabilitationszentrum "Godeshöhe" e.V.
Waldstr. 2-10
53177 Bonn
Germany
Telephone:
No Entry
Fax:
No Entry
Contact per E-Mail:
Contact per E-Mail
URL:
No Entry

Ethics Committee

Address Ethics Committee

Address:
Ethik-Kommission Medizinische Fakultät Bonn
Venusberg Campus 1, Geb. 02
53105 Bonn
Germany
Telephone:
+49-228-28751282
Fax:
+49-228-28751932
Contact per E-Mail:
Contact per E-Mail
URL:
No Entry

Vote of leading Ethics Committee

Vote of leading Ethics Committee
Date of ethics committee application:
2020-12-03
Ethics committee number:
535/20
Vote of the Ethics Committee:
Approved
Date of the vote:
2020-12-28

Further identification numbers

Other primary registry ID:
No Entry
EudraCT Number:
No Entry
UTN (Universal Trial Number):
No Entry
EUDAMED Number:
No Entry

IPD - Individual Participant Data

Do you plan to make participant-related data (IPD) available to other researchers in an anonymized form?:
Yes
IPD Sharing Plan:
All of the individual participant data collected during the trial, will be shared, after deidentification. Furthermore, the study protocol, the statistical analysis plan, and the analytical code will be available. The data will be available 6 months after publication for the max. of 10 years after study termination. The data will be provided for researchers providing a methodologically sound proposal. The data should be used only for the proposed aims. Contact details for receiving the data will be provided in the publication.

Study protocol and other study documents

Study protocols:
No Entry
Study abstract:
No Entry
Other study documents:
No Entry
Background literature:
No Entry
Related DRKS studies:
No Entry

Publication of study results

Planned publication:
No Entry
Publikationen/Studienergebnisse:
No Entry
Date of first publication of study results:
No Entry
DRKS entry published for the first time with results:
No Entry

Basic reporting

Basic Reporting / Results tables:
No Entry
Brief summary of results:
No Entry