NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Low-Load BFR Training to Help People with Advanced MS Improve Strength

Official title: Low-Load Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction in People with Multiple Sclerosis and Advanced Disability: A Randomized Control Trial

Funded at VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System · NIH-11418736 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A randomized trial tests whether low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction can improve muscle strength for people with advanced multiple sclerosis.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project startNovember 1, 2022
Project endOctober 31, 2027
Funding year2027
NIH project number5IK2RX004242-05
Project IDNIH-11418736 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with advanced MS who require assistance walking or use a wheelchair and can safely participate in guided resistance training.

Less likely to help

Patients who cannot participate in any form of resistance training or have contraindications to blood flow restriction may not benefit.

What this research studies

This study focuses on people with advanced MS who need assistance to walk or use a wheelchair. It tests a safe, low-intensity exercise approach (with blood flow restriction) to build strength, aiming to boost mobility and daily function. The researchers will compare this approach to standard care to see if it produces better gains in muscle strength and quality of life. The plan builds on prior evidence that lighter workouts with BFR can match the benefits of heavier exercise in other conditions, but now targets advanced MS under supervision at the VA East Central Health Care System. If successful, the results could offer a practical exercise option for a population with limited tolerance for intense training.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients with advanced MS may gain stronger muscles and better function with a safer, lighter workout.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests low-load training with BFR can increase strength in various conditions, but evidence in advanced MS is limited.

Where this research is happening

  • VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
    Aurora, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Manago, Mark M — VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
  • Study coordinator: Manago, Mark M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.