Clinical Trial to Improve Walking Speed

For the first time, I’m taking part in a clinical trial of a medication that has been shown to improve walking speed. So, I’m looking at a speeding ticket for walking too fast! Wouldn’t that be nice – especially if I were arrested by a cute police officer. Since I’m a research nurse, it’s quite interesting being on the other side. So far, it’s been a pretty positive experience.

This study is on the effect of this medication on balance and walking speed. Which means that at each visit, I am assessed on both parameters with certain scales. This is a placebo controlled trial, which means that I may, in fact, not be on the drug. But, I have to say that it doesn’t really matter because I went into it believing I would improve on my measurements, no matter what. So, between visit 1 and 2, an interval of 2 weeks, when I had not yet started the drug, I changed my exercise routine, and practised many of the manoeuvres and there was a positive change in my scores.

I was pleased but not really surprised, because it fits with my belief that with practice, we can figure things out, stimulate body memory or create new pathways as needed. Then I started the pill and it’s now just over 2 weeks. I honestly can’t tell if I’m on the drug or not. I have no side effects. I’m feeling pretty good and my last visit also showed an increase in walking speed and a 2 point increase on the balance scale. The staff is terrific and give me so much confidence. They are so encouraging. I’m enjoying being on the other side and the experience is also making me a better research nurse.

It has been 5 months now that I have been on an ultra-low saturated fat diet which I also think plays a major role in my healing and recovery. That, and managing stress through breath work and meditation. Paying attention to the cues that I’m getting too revved up. It takes being patient and very present. And, always making sure there’s time for some exercise.

I resigned my work as a health service navigator in order to take on more research work at the Montreal Children’s. I also do some on call phone support work for an osteoporosis drug. A good mix. I feel very grateful to have such good work.

When I go to sleep at night, these are some of the things I include in my universal prayers of thanks.

Go to the next post from Teena Marie on Restoring Pathways
Clinical Trials and Triathlons

Read previous posts from Teena Marie on Restoring Pathways
Transitioning to forearm crutches
Never giving up hope
Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis

Teena Marie Johns is a registered nurse with over 35 years of expertise in the field of vaccination, pediatric infectious disease and more recently as a health service navigator. Living with MS since 1998, she manages her health through rehab therapy, meditation and Qi Gong.

Qigong is a form of Energy medicine. Considered a major branch of and precursor to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qigong incorporates Mind-Body Interventions, and is also a Manipulative and Body Based Therapy.