Research Projects

This study examines the effectiveness of exercise training for improving depression and other outcomes among persons with MS who have major depressive disorder. We are comparing two remotely delivered exercise training programs for improving depressive symptoms, cognition, and quality of life among persons with MS who have major depressive disorder. We are seeking participants who:

1. are between 18-64 years of age,
2. have an MS diagnosis,
3. have major depressive disorder,
4. have Internet and email access,
5. are currently physically inactive,
6. are willing to complete training,
7. are ambulatory, and
8. use English as a primary language.

Visit our website or contact Ariel at (312) 355-1790 or METSforMS@uic.edu.

Wheelchair use in MS is often attributable to fatigue as a consequence of muscle weakness. Indeed, fatigue, a prevalent consequence of MS, often becomes debilitating and exhausts energetic resources when carrying-out tasks of daily life and/or interacting with the community, as these require ambulatory mobility. This study examines the effects of a specific exercise rehabilitation program (GH method) on physical function and other disease-related outcomes in persons with MS who use wheelchairs as a primary mobility device. We are looking for people who meet the following criteria:

1. diagnosis of MS
2. age above 18 years
3. no relapse within last 30 days
4. use of wheelchair for mobility in the community
5. ability to walk at least 50 feet (or 65 steps) using an assistive device
6. willingness to complete the assessments and undergo randomization

This study evaluates the effects of a 16-week remote Pilates exercise program on physical and psychological outcomes in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The intervention is home‑based and designed to improve accessibility by reducing transportation barriers while promoting physical and psychological well‑being. Participants will perform 16 weeks of Pilates with a PhD Exercise Physiologist and complete in-person assessments before and after the Pilates program. We are recruiting individuals who:

1. have a physician-confirmed diagnosis of MS,
2. are at least 18 years of age,
3. have been relapse-free for the past 30 days,
4. are currently physically inactive, and
5. are able to walk without assistance.

For more information, contact Parisa at (312) 996-6615 or PEMS@uic.edu.

This study examines whether NSAIDs, particularly aspirin, can reduce heat-related strain during exercise in adults with multiple sclerosis. Heat sensitivity is common in MS and can limit safe and comfortable participation in exercise. Participants will complete three on-site visits involving supervised stationary cycling, taking a standard dosage of aspirin, and a non-invasive assessment of core body temperature. We are currently recruiting individuals who:

1. Are 18-64 years of age
2. Have a physician-confirmed MS diagnosis
3. Experience any level of heat-sensitivity during exercise
4. Are able to walk without assistance
5. Can cycle on a stationary bike
6. Can safely ingest NSAIDs/aspirin
7. Ability to speak, read, and understand English

For more information, contact Andrew at (312) 355-0383 or ENRL@uic.edu.

This study investigates outcomes of multiple sclerosis (MS) across race and ethnicity. We are interested in health behaviors and outcomes among persons with MS across diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and how these outcomes differ as a function of social determinants of health. This research addresses a void in the literature on health behaviors and outcomes as a function of race and ethnicity, and will inform the development of health and wellness programs for the diverse population with MS. We are seeking volunteers with and without MS who:

1. are of at least 18 years of age
2. are willing to complete testing procedures
3. are able to speak, read, and understand English, and
4. have access to Internet and Wi-fi.

Visit our website or contact Lexi at (312) 355-0383 or ENRL@uic.edu.

This study examines the biological basis of physical activity to maintain or improve brain health based on markers of vascular function in people with MS. The function and structure of the brain will be measured using cognitive function testing and a measurement of a blood biomarker of central nervous system damage known as serum neurofilament light chain. This research will provide the basis for future research examining the biological mechanisms through which physical activity can positively impact brain health. We are currently recruiting participants with or without MS who:

1. Are 18-45 years of age,
2. Have not had a relapse within the last 90 days,
3. Are able to walk unassisted, and
4. Are able to fluently read, write, and speak English.

For more information, contact Noah at (312) 996-9607 or ENRL@uic.edu.

This study examined the benefits of remotely delivered, culturally tailored exercise training programs for African Americans with MS residing in the Southeastern region of the US. We compared two exercise training programs that are based on MS-specific guidelines and delivered remotely in the home/community by behavior change experts for improving outcomes of walking, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. The evidence from this study supports the implementation of exercise programs in clinics providing healthcare for African Americans with MS.

This was the first study that examined the feasibility and efficacy of a 16-week remotely delivered, exercise training program for adults (50+ years) with MS who have cognitive and walking impairment. We examined if this targeted, evidence-based exercise program would produce improvements in cognition, mobility, physical activity, vascular function, and quality of life among adults (50+ years) with MS.

This study assessed the feasibility of a 16-week remotely delivered, culturally-tailored exercise program for Hispanics/Latinos with MS living in Chicago, IL. We looked at the potential effect of exercise on physical and cognitive function, MS symptoms, quality of life, and physical activity.

This pilot study examined if physical activity is associated with a blood biomarker of MS disease severity (neurofilament light chain), cognitive function, and vascular health in people with MS. Neurofilament light chain is a blood biomarker of damage in the central nervous system caused by MS. This research provides the basis for future research examining if physical activity can reverse the effects on MS on brain structure and cellular outcomes.

Anxiety is common in MS, yet we know very little about how it can be managed. This study examined the effect of a single bout of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on state anxiety in persons with MS who have elevated anxiety levels indicative of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This study could identify the benefits of exercise for treating anxiety symptoms in persons with MS who have GAD.

The study examined the benefits of a 16-week remotely delivered, physical activity program for persons recently diagnosed with MS (diagnosed with MS for 2 years or less). We examined if this evidence-based physical activity program will result in improvements in physical activity, MS symptoms, and quality of life among those newly diagnosed with MS.

This study examined the associations among cognition, vascular function, and free-living physical activity in adults with and without MS (18–54 years of age), and helps understand whether/how physical activity might preserve cognition directly or indirectly through adaptations in vascular function among people with MS. This research provides valuable information to guide the development of future interventions to manage MS symptoms and improve health-related quality of life.

Elevated anxiety symptoms indicative of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are common, yet understudied, in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Physical activity may be beneficial lifestyle approach to manage anxiety symptoms and this remote survey study examined factors that influence physical activity participation in persons with MS and GAD. The results of this study will inform the development of physical activity interventions to treat anxiety symptoms in persons with MS and GAD.

This remote study compared the levels of physical activity among women with multiple sclerosis (MS) with and without generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The study also compared the relationship between physical activity levels and anxiety symptoms between the two groups.

The Behavioral Intervention for Physical Activity in Multiple Sclerosis-Cognition (BIPAMS-Cognition) was a nationwide study which examines the effectiveness of internet-delivered programs for lifestyle behavior change among persons with MS who have cognitive processing speed impairment. This remote study consisted of two 6-month phases over a 12-month period and eligible participants were randomly assigned to one of the two programs. One program focused on promoting physical activity, whereas the other program focused on promoting overall health and wellness in MS.

People with MS may have poor walking efficiency, and this can be a source of fatigue and physical inactivity. This study examined if muscle blood flow and oxygenation are associated with walking efficiency and other MS-related symptoms (i.e., physical activity, cognitive and physical function, and fatigue). These findings will give us a better understanding of how to improve walking efficiency in persons with MS.