Tai Chi and Square-Stepping Exercises in Women With Multiple Sclerosis
The Effects of Tai Chi and Square Stepping Exercises on Joint Position Sense and Clinical Outcomes in Women With Multiple Sclerosis
Pamukkale University
39 participants
Feb 15, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Tai Chi is an exercise approach consisting of slow and controlled movements, whereas square stepping exercises are an exercise method in which specific step patterns are followed. The aim of this study is to comparatively examine the effects of Tai Chi and Square Stepping Exercises on knee joint position sense, lower extremity muscle strength, and fatigue levels in women with multiple sclerosis.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria7
- Willing to participate and provide informed consent.
- Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) according to the McDonald diagnostic criteria.
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) phenotype.
- EDSS score \< 3.5.
- Female, 20-45 years of age.
- No MS relapse within the past 1 month.
- No lower-extremity spasticity according to the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS).
Exclusion Criteria7
- Any neurological disease other than MS.
- Experiencing an MS relapse during the study period.
- History of orthopedic surgery that may affect balance.
- Cognitive or psychiatric impairment that may interfere with study participation.
- Cardiovascular or pulmonary history that may prevent participation.
- Use of medications that may affect clinical assessment (e.g., antipsychotic use; continuous corticosteroid or immunosuppressive use within the past 1 month).
- Participation in any other exercise program
Interventions
Tai Chi will be delivered for 8 weeks, 2 days per week, 1 session per day (total 16 sessions). Each session will last approximately 45-60 minutes and will include warm-up stretching, main Tai Chi practice, and cool-down stretching plus controlled breathing techniques.
SSE will be delivered for 8 weeks, 2 days per week, 1 session per day (total 16 sessions). Each session will be completed in approximately 45-60 minutes, including warm-up and cool-down periods.
Frenkel Coordination Exercises will be delivered as a home program for 8 weeks, 2 days per week, 1 session per day (total 16 sessions). Each session will last 15-30 minutes, excluding rest periods.
Locations(1)
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NCT07461987