Multiple SclerosisNCT07680049
The Mediating Role of Balance in the Relationship Between Fatigue and Fear of Falling in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
An observational study of Multiple Sclerosis, run by Uskudar University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Fatigue, balance impairment, and fear of falling are common problems in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Previous studies have shown significant associations among these variables; however, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between fatigue and fear of falling remain unclear. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Multiple Sclerosis
- What is being tested?
- Observational Model: Cross-Sectional
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2026to 1 Sep 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- All sexes
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: The study population will consist of adults diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who are clinically stable and able to complete the study assessments. Eligible participants will be recruited from the outpatient neurology and physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of Başkent University.
Who may be able to join
- Age 18-65 years
- Neurologist-confirmed MS diagnosis
- No relapse within the previous 30 days
- Ability to walk independently or with an assistive device
- Ability to understand instructions
- Voluntary participation
Who cannot join
- Recent MS relapse
- Severe vestibular disorder
- Other neurological diseases
- Severe orthopedic conditions affecting mobility
- Recent lower extremity surgery or trauma
- Cardiopulmonary conditions limiting assessment
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Fatigue, balance impairment, and fear of falling are common problems in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Previous studies have shown significant associations among these variables; however, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between fatigue and fear of falling remain unclear. It is possible that fatigue increases fear of falling indirectly through its negative effects on balance performance.
Read the detailed description
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that frequently leads to fatigue, balance impairment, and fear of falling. These symptoms negatively affect mobility, independence, participation in daily activities, and quality of life. Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms in individuals with MS and may contribute to impaired balance and an increased risk of falls.
Fear of falling is highly prevalent in people with MS and is associated with reduced physical activity, activity avoidance, and functional decline. Balance impairment is another common manifestation of MS and may represent an important mechanism linking fatigue to fear of falling. However, although fatigue, balance, and fear of falling have been investigated separately, the mediating role of balance in the relationship between fatigue and fear of falling has not been sufficiently explored.
The aim of this cross-sectional observational study is to investigate whether balance mediates the relationship between fatigue and fear of falling in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Fatigue will be assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), balance performance will be evaluated using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), and fear of falling will be measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I).
The findings of this study are expected to improve the understanding of the mechanisms underlying fear of falling in individuals with MS and provide evidence to support the development of rehabilitation programs targeting balance to reduce fear of falling and improve functional outcomes.
- Conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Being tested
- Observational Model: Cross-Sectional
- Keywords
- Fatigue, Multiple Sclerosis, Postural Balance, Fear
- Medical subject headings
- Multiple Sclerosis, Fatigue
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Observational Model: Cross-SectionalOther
Observational Model: Cross-Sectional
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis | Adults diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who meet the eligibility criteria will participate in a single assessment session to evaluate fatigue, balance, and fear of falling. Receives: Other: Observational Model: Cross-Sectional |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Falls Efficacy Scale-International
Fear of falling will be assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). The FES-I is a 16-item questionnaire that evaluates concern about falling during a range of daily activities. Total scores range from 16 to 64, with higher scores indicating greater fear of falling.
Measured: Time Frame: Baseline (single assessment)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)
Fatigue severity will be assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The FSS consists of 9 items rated on a 7-point Likert scale. The total score is calculated as the mean of all items, with higher scores indicating greater fatigue severity.
Measured: Baseline (single assessment)
Baseline (single assessment)
Balance performance will be evaluated using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest). The Mini-BESTest consists of 14 items assessing dynamic balance. Total scores range from 0 to 28, with higher scores indicating better balance performance.
Measured: Baseline (single assessment)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted1 Jul 2026
- Study start1 Jul 2026
- Primary completion1 Sep 2026
- Study completion1 Sep 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Multiple SclerosisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Uskudar University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07680049
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Uskudar-MS
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 25 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 10 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Nilsagard Y, Lundholm C, Denison E, Gunnarsson LG. Predicting accidental falls in people with multiple sclerosis -- a longitudinal study. Clin Rehabil. 2009 Mar;23(3):259-69. doi: 10.1177/0269215508095087.
PubMed 19218300Bakshi R. Fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis: diagnosis, impact and management. Mult Scler. 2003 Jun;9(3):219-27. doi: 10.1191/1352458503ms904oa.
PubMed 12814166Hebert JR, Corboy JR. The association between multiple sclerosis-related fatigue and balance as a function of central sensory integration. Gait Posture. 2013 May;38(1):37-42. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2012.10.015. Epub 2012 Nov 28.
PubMed 23200463
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Mediating Role of Balance in the Relationship Between Fatigue and Fear of Falling in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07680049
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Uskudar-MS
- Conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Keywords
- Fatigue, Multiple Sclerosis, Postural Balance, Fear
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Uskudar UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Sep 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 1 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Fatigue, balance impairment, and fear of falling are common problems in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Previous studies have shown significant associations among these variables; however, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between fatigue and fear of falling remain unclear. It is possible that fatigue increases fear of falling indirectly through its negative effects on balance performance.
Detailed description
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that frequently leads to fatigue, balance impairment, and fear of falling. These symptoms negatively affect mobility, independence, participation in daily activities, and quality of life. Fatigue is one of the most common and disabling symptoms in individuals with MS and may contribute to impaired balance and an increased risk of falls.
Fear of falling is highly prevalent in people with MS and is associated with reduced physical activity, activity avoidance, and functional decline. Balance impairment is another common manifestation of MS and may represent an important mechanism linking fatigue to fear of falling. However, although fatigue, balance, and fear of falling have been investigated separately, the mediating role of balance in the relationship between fatigue and fear of falling has not been sufficiently explored.
The aim of this cross-sectional observational study is to investigate whether balance mediates the relationship between fatigue and fear of falling in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Fatigue will be assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), balance performance will be evaluated using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), and fear of falling will be measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I).
The findings of this study are expected to improve the understanding of the mechanisms underlying fear of falling in individuals with MS and provide evidence to support the development of rehabilitation programs targeting balance to reduce fear of falling and improve functional outcomes.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis | – | Other: Observational Model: Cross-SectionalAdults diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who meet the eligibility criteria will participate in a single assessment session to evaluate fatigue, balance, and fear of falling. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 75 years
- Sex
- All
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- The study population will consist of adults diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who are clinically stable and able to complete the study assessments. Eligible participants will be recruited from the outpatient neurology and physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics of Başkent University.
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Age 18-65 years
- Neurologist-confirmed MS diagnosis
- No relapse within the previous 30 days
- Ability to walk independently or with an assistive device
- Ability to understand instructions
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Recent MS relapse
- Severe vestibular disorder
- Other neurological diseases
- Severe orthopedic conditions affecting mobility
- Recent lower extremity surgery or trauma
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Observational Model: Cross-SectionalObservational Model: Cross-Sectional | Other | Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis |
Primary outcome
Falls Efficacy Scale-International
Time frame: Time Frame: Baseline (single assessment)
Fear of falling will be assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). The FES-I is a 16-item questionnaire that evaluates concern about falling during a range of daily activities. Total scores range from 16 to 64, with higher scores indicating greater fear of falling.
2 secondary outcomes
Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)
Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)
Baseline (single assessment)
Time frame: Baseline (single assessment)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 19218300Nilsagard Y, Lundholm C, Denison E, Gunnarsson LG. Predicting accidental falls in people with multiple sclerosis -- a longitudinal study. Clin Rehabil. 2009 Mar;23(3):259-69. doi: 10.1177/0269215508095087.
- Results publication: PubMed 12814166Bakshi R. Fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis: diagnosis, impact and management. Mult Scler. 2003 Jun;9(3):219-27. doi: 10.1191/1352458503ms904oa.
- Results publication: PubMed 23200463Hebert JR, Corboy JR. The association between multiple sclerosis-related fatigue and balance as a function of central sensory integration. Gait Posture. 2013 May;38(1):37-42. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2012.10.015. Epub 2012 Nov 28.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Multiple Sclerosis, run by Uskudar University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Falls Efficacy Scale-International (time frame: Time Frame: Baseline (single assessment)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07680049, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Sep 2026.