How blood flow affects walking difficulties in people with multiple sclerosis
Official title: Walking Inefficiency in Multiple Sclerosis: Influence of Vascular Dysfunction
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11113790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with blood flow might make it harder for people with multiple sclerosis to walk efficiently, and it aims to help understand why walking takes so much more energy for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $75,520 |
| NIH project number | 5F32HD113333-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and experience walking difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with multiple sclerosis who do not have significant walking impairments or cardiovascular issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between vascular dysfunction and walking inefficiency in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). It focuses on how the oxygen cost of walking, which is significantly higher in MS patients, impacts their ability to ambulate and participate in daily activities. By examining the physiological mechanisms behind this increased oxygen demand, particularly the role of blood flow and cardiovascular health, the study aims to identify factors that contribute to walking difficulties. Patients will be assessed for their aerobic capacity and vascular function to better understand these connections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing mobility and quality of life for individuals with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between cardiovascular health and mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis, indicating that this approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jeng, Brenda — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Jeng, Brenda
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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.