Effects of Motor Imagery and Action Observation on Gait Initiation and Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Multiple Sclerosis

Official Summary

This study will investigate whether mentally simulating walking movements while watching others walk can improve walking performance in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Participants will be divided into two groups: one group will watch walking videos and imagine themselves walking, while the other group will watch nature scenes. The study will measure muscle activity and walking patterns to assess the effects. The results may help support the use of mental practice techniques to improve mobility in people with MS.

Study Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Model: PARALLEL
• Masking: SINGLE
• Enrollment: 20 participants

Interventions

• BEHAVIORAL: Action Observation + Motor Imagery — Participants will watch videos showing walking actions and will be instructed to mentally simulate the movement.
• BEHAVIORAL: Nature Video — Participants will watch a video of nature scenes.

Primary Outcomes

• Change in Tibialis Anterior and Gastrocnemius Medialis Muscle Activity Amplitude (Before and immediately after the intervention)
• Change in Tibialis Anterior and Gastrocnemius Medialis Muscle Activity Onset Latency (Before and immediately after the intervention.)
• Change in Step Length (Before and immediately after the intervention)
• Change in Step Time (Before and immediately after the intervention)
• Change in Step Width (Before and immediately after the intervention)

Secondary Outcomes

• Motor Imagery Vividness (Baseline only)
• Mental Chronometry Ratio (Baseline only)
• Limb Laterality Recognition Performance (Baseline only)
• Cognitive Status (Baseline only)
• Fatigue Level (Baseline only)

Trial Locations

• Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)

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