High-intensity, dynamic-balance treadmill training for people with MS
Official title: High-Intensity, dynamic-stability gait training in people with multiple sclerosis
Funded at Marquette University · NIH-11362369 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A multicenter trial tests a strong treadmill walking program combined with balance challenges to help people with MS walk faster and more steadily.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Marquette University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $559,568 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD107145-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11362369 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with mild to moderate MS who have mobility limitations and can walk with or without assistance.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals with severe MS who cannot participate in treadmill-based training or have medical contraindications to high-intensity exercise.
What this research studies
This trial invites adults with multiple sclerosis to take part in a 2X2 study that mixes high-intensity treadmill walking with balance-perturbation training. Participants will undergo sessions designed to push neuromuscular and cardiovascular systems to improve walking speed, endurance, and balance in real-world settings. Researchers will measure changes in walking function, dynamic stability, and daily mobility, using both lab tests and everyday activity assessments. The study builds on prior findings suggesting dynamic balance training is feasible in MS and aims to clarify the added benefit of combining perturbations with intense exercise.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience better walking ability and greater safety in daily life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior pilot work showed feasibility of dynamic balance treadmill training in MS, with promising initial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Marquette University
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmit, Brian D — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Schmit, Brian D
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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.