Improving walking and balance in people with multiple sclerosis
Official title: High-Intensity, dynamic-stability gait training in people with multiple sclerosis
Funded at Marquette University · NIH-10889098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a fun new training program that helps people with multiple sclerosis improve their walking and balance by using treadmill exercises with some balance challenges, so they can move better in their daily lives.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $556,118 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD107145-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889098 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis who experience mobility and balance challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe multiple sclerosis or those who are unable to participate in physical activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance walking function and stability in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) through a unique training program that combines high-intensity exercise with balance challenges. Participants will engage in treadmill walking while experiencing balance perturbations, which will help them develop better neuromuscular strategies for maintaining posture. The program is designed to improve both walking speed and distance, as well as overall mobility in everyday life. The study will assess the effects of this training approach in both controlled laboratory settings and real-world environments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mobility and quality of life for patients with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with high-intensity training and balance interventions in other neurological disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach in MS.
Where this research is happening
-
Marquette University
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmit, Brian D — Marquette University
- Study coordinator: Schmit, Brian D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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High-intensity, dynamic-balance treadmill training for people with MS
A multicenter trial tests a strong treadmill walking program combined with balance challenges to help people with MS walk faster and more steadily.
-
Exercise and cognitive training to improve gait in older Veterans with MS
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Improving walking and balance for people with multiple sclerosis
This project helps people with multiple sclerosis improve their walking and balance through special exercises.
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Susceptibility-based MRI biomarkers for multiple sclerosis
A short-term study aims to test MRI biomarkers that could help diagnose and predict MS in patients, using advanced imaging techniques.
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Gait speed from wearable sensors to guide ALS trials
A patient-friendly look at using wearable sensors to measure how fast people with ALS walk, to help run better ALS trials.
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Movement-Enhanced Walking Training to Improve Balance After Stroke
A specialized treadmill training using a cable-driven device, called Movement Amplification Environment (MAE), helps people with chronic stroke improve walking balance by enhancing their own movement awareness.
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.