Encouraging exercise for people with multiple sclerosis through physical therapy
Official title: Promotion of Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis through Physical Therapy (PromPT)
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10814444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of physical therapy to help people with multiple sclerosis get more active and improve their quality of life, and it’s looking for participants to see how well this approach works compared to those who aren’t receiving the therapy right away.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $328,524 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HD111005-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10814444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, particularly those who may not be engaging in sufficient physical activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe multiple sclerosis symptoms or those unable to participate in physical activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the physical activity levels of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) through a new model of physical therapy. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this proactive approach by conducting a randomized controlled trial, comparing outcomes between those receiving the therapy and a waitlist control group. Participants will be monitored using accelerometers to measure their physical activity levels, helping to assess both immediate and long-term benefits of the intervention. The goal is to enhance the quality of life for those living with MS by promoting regular exercise.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the physical activity levels and overall quality of life for patients with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that physical activity can greatly benefit individuals with multiple sclerosis, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kinnett-Hopkins, Dominique — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Kinnett-Hopkins, Dominique
Related research
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Researchers are testing a blood-based biomarker from astrocyte-like exosomes to understand why multiple sclerosis gets worse with age and to identify potential targets for treatment.
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A researcher is testing a natural-product–based compound that may help people with multiple sclerosis repair nerve damage by guiding brain stem cells to become neurons and myelin-producing cells.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.