An interventional study of Tai Chi training in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - Relapsing-remitting, sponsored by Karolinska Institutet. Active, not recruiting at 1 site in Sweden. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-23.
Sponsored by Karolinska Institutet · Not applicable, Interventional, and Supportive care
Tai Chi combines strength and neuromuscular training with diaphragmatic breathing, attention, imagery and relaxation. After an initial learning period, participants can practise independently, potentially supporting self-efficacy and sustained self-management. Studies in chronic disease report benefits for physical function and psychological wellbeing.
We will evaluate a 12-week Tai Chi rehabilitation programme in a clincial trial. The Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) is the primary clinical outcome, reflecting the physical and psychological consequences of multiple sclerosis (MS). Assessments take place before training and at 12 weeks (the primary endpoint).
The study will address whether Tai Chi improves physical and mental health; reduces fatigue, anxiety, depression and pain; improves lower-limb strength, gait and balance; and improves quality of life and self-efficacy.
The randomized controlled trial compares 12 weeks of Tai Chi. The intervention comprises two 75-minute sessions each week. Clinical outcomes are measured before and after training to examine the maintenance of benefits and self-management behaviours.
Inclusion criteria are age over 18 years, definite MS diagnosis, ability to walk more than 100 m, no relapse or pharmacological treatment adjustment in the preceding eight weeks, no Tai Chi practice in the preceding six months, and ability to understand and communicate in Swedish or English. Exclusion criteria are dementia, alcoholism and serious medical comorbidity preventing participation.
Participants are recruited through MS and rehabilitation clinics in Region Stockholm, Neuro Sweden and social media advertisements. Screening confirms eligibility and provides a baseline assessment. Oral and written information is given and informed consent obtained before enrollment. Baseline data include age, sex, civil and employment status, and disease characteristics, including MS severity. Participants may withdraw without consequences for their care.
Tai Chi programme Training comprises three components: warm-up exercises to improve mobility and flexibility, reduce tension and introduce relaxed breathing; simple Tai Chi movements and a short sequence to develop coordinated, gentle weight shifts; and Standing like a Tree Qigong to develop upright posture, relaxation and breathing awareness. The programme teaches foundational skills and supports regular practice that can be integrated into daily living.
Participants are encouraged to maintain their usual activities but avoid starting additional exercise programmes during the intervention. Home Tai Chi practice is encouraged and recorded. Four make-up classes per month are available, and participants receive an instructional video to support continued practice after the supervised programme.
Clinical outcome measures MSIS-29 assesses the physical and psychological impact of MS [15]. Secondary outcomes are fatigue (FSMC), anxiety and depression (HADS), pain (BPI-SF), and lower-limb strength (30-second chair-stand). Gait is assessed with the 10-metre walk test and 6MWT, and balance with the Mini-BESTest. Quality of life is assessed with the Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale (BBQ), and self-efficacy with the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease scale (SEMCD) [16-24]. Self-efficacy is of particular interest because confidence in managing symptoms may support continued use of rehabilitation skills.
615 studies on the registry are indexed under Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; 80 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 35 is below the median of 72 across 437 interventional studies indexed under Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting.
Browse Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting studies →Karolinska Institutet is the lead sponsor of 1,145 studies on the registry; 274 are open to participants now.
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Inclusion criteria are age over 18 years, definite MS diagnosis, ability to walk more than 100 m, no relapse or pharmacological treatment adjustment in the preceding eight weeks, no Tai Chi practice in the preceding six months, and ability to understand and communicate in Swedish or English. -
Exclusion Criteria:
Exclusion criteria are dementia, alcoholism and serious medical comorbidity preventing participation.
Other: Tai Chi training
Training comprises three components: warm-up exercises to improve mobility and flexibility, reduce tension and introduce relaxed breathing; simple Tai Chi movements and a short sequence to develop coordinated, gentle weight shifts; and Standing like a Tree Qigong to develop upright posture, relaxation and breathing awareness. The programme teaches foundational skills and supports regular practice that can be integrated into daily living.
MSIS-29
MSIS-29 assesses the physical and psychological impact of MS
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Started Mar 2025 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for Dec 2027, 33 months after the start.
Of 72 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting, half reached primary completion within 38 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 15 and three quarters within 48. This study's planned 33 months is below that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 74 studies reached it within 38 months; a quarter within 16 and three quarters within 48.
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
This study is active, not recruiting, as verified in Oct 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting →