Recruiting

Tai Chi and stepping exercises for multiple sclerosis in women

Plain-English translation of NCT07461987 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether two types of gentle exercise — Tai Chi (slow, flowing movements) and Square Stepping Exercise (coordinated stepping patterns on a marked mat) — can help women with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis improve their sense of where their legs are in space, strengthen their legs, and reduce fatigue. The researchers will compare these two exercise programs to a traditional coordination exercise program to see which works best.

Many women with multiple sclerosis struggle with balance problems, weak leg muscles, and fatigue, which make daily activities harder. This trial aims to find out whether these two types of exercise can effectively address these problems and help guide treatment recommendations.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are a woman between 20 and 45 years old
you have been diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)
your disease is mild to moderate (EDSS score below 3.5)
you have not had an MS relapse in the past month
you do not have significant muscle stiffness in your lower legs
you are willing to exercise twice a week for 8 weeks

You likely don't qualify if…

you have another neurological disease besides MS
you have had orthopedic surgery that affects your balance
you have significant cognitive or psychiatric conditions that would interfere with participation
you have heart or lung disease that would prevent you from exercising
you are currently taking certain medications (like antipsychotics, continuous steroids, or immunosuppressants in the past month)

What participation looks like

If you join this study, you will be randomly assigned to one of three groups. You will attend supervised exercise sessions twice a week for 8 weeks. Depending on your group, you'll either learn Tai Chi movements (gentle, flowing exercises emphasizing balance and posture), practice coordinated stepping patterns on a marked mat, or do traditional coordination exercises. Each session lasts about an hour and includes warm-up, the main exercise activity, and cool-down. Before and after the program, you'll complete tests to measure your leg strength, balance sense, and fatigue levels.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 10, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Turkey (Türkiye)

Department of Neurology, Pamukkale University Hospital, Denizli