Participating in Clinical Trials

Have you ever taken medicine for an illness?
Then you have experienced the benefits of clinical research. Clinical trials help to determine if treatments are safe and effective. There is an urgent need for people with multiple sclerosis who are willing to volunteer in clinical trials testing MS therapies. Studies are enrolling diverse populations, and are monitored to ensure that the rights and safety of all participants are protected. Without the help of people with MS, it would be impossible to develop new and better therapies.
Additional Info: Click here to download A Guide for People with MS

Microaggressions Experienced in the Workplace
Objective: To learn more about microagressions experienced in the workplace by people living with multiple sclerosis.
Sponsor: Illinois Institute of Technology
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old or older, be employed part-time or full-time, and living with MS.
Other: Participation in this study involves a 90-120 minute informal focus group at Illinois Institute of Technology. Participants will receive a $50 gift card for participating.
Contact: Eun-Jeong Lee, PhD at (312) 567-5202 or elee20@iit.edu  
Additional Info: Click here to download the recruitment flyer. 

Mothers with MS
Objective: To learn more about the impact having a mother living with MS has on children.
Sponsor: Northern Illinois University
Eligibility: Must be at least 18 years old; diagnosed with MS; have at least one child aged 6 to 18; must be able to read and write in English.
Other: Online survey will take between 30 – 40 minutes to complete.
Contact: Emily Stewart – stewart.emilye@gmail.com
Additional Info: Click here to take the survey

Teleconference Intervention to Increase Exercise and Decrease Fatiuge
Objective: To determine whether methods of fatigue management and increasing physical activity can be distributed with a series of teleconferences and phone interviews
Sponsor: Case Western Reserve University & University Hospitals.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Matthew Plow
Eligibility: 18 – 65 years old; not regularly physically active; able to walk 25ft with or without a cane and have no severe cardiopulmonary conditions. Other: This study involves filling out questionnaires and participating in several group and 1:1 phone calls over 24 weeks.
Contact: Research Office – (216) 368-0643
Additional Info: Click here download recruitment flyer

Study of Physical Activity and Function in Older Adults with MS
Objective: To learn more about functional changes and physical activity in older adults with MS.
Sponsor: The Exercise Neuroscience Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois
Eligibility: Diagnosis of MS, Ambulatory with or without assistance, 60 years of age or older.
Other:  You will receive $75 for participation. One visit to the lab is required.
Contact: Phone: 217.244.1191; Toll Free: 888-796-7966; Email: klaren2@illinois.edu
Additional Info: Click here to download recruitment flyer

BIPAMS – Behavioral Intervention for Physical Activity in MS
Objective: To help adults with MS become more physically active in their everyday lives.
Sponsor: The Exercise Neuroscience Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois
Eligibility: Anyone with MS who wants to become more physically active.
Other:  This is a home-based study that requires access to the internet.
Contact: Phone: 217.244.1191; Toll Free: 888-796-7966; Email: exerciseneurolab@gmail.com
Additional Info: Click here to download recruitment flyer

Exoskeleton Device Study
Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of a robotic exoskeleton device in the home environment.
Sponsor: The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Principal Investigator: Arun Jayaraman, PhD
Eligibility: Over 21 years old, diagnosis of MS for more than 1 year, have some limitation in walking due to fatigue, weakness or pain, no other diagnosis that limits walking ability, must be able to walk and climb stairs without help of a person.
Other:  Participants will receive compensation. Five visits to the clinic are required.
Contact: Kristen Hohl, PT, DPT (312) 238-1378; khohl@ricres.org OR Raquel Minarsch, PT, DPT, NCS (312) 238-3457; rminarsch@ricres.org
Additional Info: Click here to download recruitment flyer

Dietary Approaches to Treat Multiple Sclerosis Related Fatigue
Objective: To determine whether the Wahls Elimination Diet and Swank Diet are effective treatments for Multiple Sclerosis related fatigue.
Sponsor: University of Iowa
Principal Investigator: Cathy Chenard, MS, RD, LD
Eligibility: Relapsing Remitting MS, documented fatigue, BMI of at least 19, between the ages of 18 and 65, have not had a change of MS disease modifying drugs or a relapse in the last 3 months, not taking insulin or Coumadin, willingness to collect stool samples.
Other:  Participants will need to make 6 trips to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA over a 12 month period.
Contact: (319) 348-5053 ; catherine-chenard@uiowa.edu
Additional Info: Click here to download recruitment flyer

Fatigue Study
Objective: To determine which symptoms may be commonly experienced by individuals in multiple fatiguing illness groups, and which symptoms may be unique to each illness. 
Sponsor: DePaul University, Department of Psychology
Principal Investigator: Meredyth Evans, M.A.
Eligibility: Adults at least 18 years old; able to read or speak English; a diagnosis of MS
Other: Complete an online survey which will take about 45 minutes.
Contact: 773-325-1164 or abrown57@depaul.edu
Additional Info: Click here to download recruitment flyer

The Effects of Exercise on Arterial Function and Mobility
Objective: To study the effects of exercise on arterial function and mobility in individuals with MS.
Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
Principal Investigators: Dr. Fernhall and Dr. Tracy Baynard
Eligibility: Diagnosis of MS and ability to walk with without assistance; age 18-70; physically active less than 2 days a week; relapse free over past 30 days.
Other: Receive up to $300 for participation.
Contact: Garett Griffith - (312) 996-9594 or gigriff@uic.edu
Additional Info: Click here to download recruitment flyer

Physical Activity and Relapse for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Objective: To learn more about your experiences with physical activity during periods of relapse.
Sponsor:  Exercise Neuroscience Lab at the University of Illinois
Eligibility: Diagnosis of MS; age 18 – 64 years old, have experienced a relapse within the past six months.
Other: Participants will complete on-site questionnaires and a 1 hour recorded interview. 
Contact:  Toll free: 1-800-796-7966 or email exerciseneurolab@gmail.com
Additional Info: Click here to download the recruitment flyer or visit www.ENRL.net

Impact of different types of exercise in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Objective: To study how exercise responses might differ between treadmill and cycling exercise in individuals with MS.
Sponsor:  Dr. Tracy Baynard – Department of Kinesiology & Nutrition at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC).
Eligibility: Diagnosis of MS and ability to walk without assistance; men and women aged 25-60 years old 
Other: Participants will participate in two testing sessions and wear a physical activity monitor for seven days to measure their physical activity.
Contact:  Garett Griffith – 312-996-9594 or gjgriff@uic.edu
Additional Info: Click here to download the recruitment flyer

Teleconference Intervention to Increase Exercise and Decrease Fatiuge
Investigators at Case Western Reserve University are recruiting 215 people from seven states for a study to determine whether methods of fatigue management and increasing physical activity that are often provided by rehabilitation centers can be distributed with a series of teleconferences and phone interviews. Matthew Plow, PhD, the primary investigator, is funded by a research grant from the National MS Society.
Objective: In this research project, Matthew Plow, PhD, is conducting a randomized controlled trial to see whether methods of fatigue management and increasing physical activity that are often provided by physical therapists and/or occupational therapist at medical rehabilitation centers can be distributed with a series of teleconferences and phone interviews.
Sponsor: Case Western Reserve University
Eligibility: Participants should be ages 18 to 65, with a diagnosis of MS and the ability to walk 25 feet with or without a cane. Among those excluded are people who exercise more than 90 minutes per week, are pregnant, have metabolic or cardiopulmonary disease that puts them at high risk for engaging in a home exercise program, or have had four or more falls in the past 6 months. Further details on inclusion and exclusion criteria are available from the contact below.
Contact: Meghan Golding - (216) 368-0643; meghan.golding@UHhospitals.org

Multiple Risk Factors in MS Study
Do you smoke? Are you interested in participating in research? The University of Illinois is recruiting for a study looking at dietary sodium, tobacco use, and physical activity in individuals living with MS.  Participants are compensated for research and travel. For more information see the attached flyer.
Objective: To research the multiple risk factors in Multiple Sclerosis, such as tobacco use, dietary sodium and physical activity.
Sponsor: The Exercise Neuroscience Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois
Eligibility: Smokers and non-smokers, persons with MS 18-64 y/o; relapse free for past 30 days and willing to visit U of I campus for 2 visits.
Other: Participants are compensated for research and travel.
Contact: Toll free 1-888-796-7966 or balto1@illinois.edu
Additional Info: Click here to download the recruitment flyer.  

Deciphering MS Treatment Study
Objective: To learn about treatment options and help determine the best way to offer online information to adults with MS
Sponsor: Dr. Maria A Reyes-Velarde
Eligibility: Adults over age 18 with a diagnosis of MS and access to internet connection
Other: Learn about treatment options through “Deciphering MS Treatment” website.
Contact: Contact Dr. Maria Reyes- Velarde - mareyesvelarde.md@gmail.com
Additional Information: Click here to download recruitment flyer

Preventing Falls
Objective: Effect of balance and walking exercise on cognition and mobility.
Sponsor: Motor Control Research Lab, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Eligibility: People with diagnosis of MS and difficulties walking and/or thinking
Other: Receive balance, walking, and fall risk evaluation and free exercise program.  Receive up to $180 for participation
Contact: Motor Control Research Lab 217-244-7006 or StopFallsMS@illinois.edu
Additional Information: Click here to download recruitment flyer

Views Study
Objective: Views and opinions on exercise and interactions with healthcare providers.
Sponsor: Exercise Neuroscience Research Lab, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
Eligibility: Adults over age 18 with a diagnosis of MS.
Other: Participation includes neurological exam, interview and questionnaire to complete.
Contact: Yvonne at 1-888-796-7966 or exerciseneurolab@gmail.com
Additional Information: Click here to download recruitment flyer

Physical Fitness and Physical Activity in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis
Objective: A study examining physical fitness and physical activity levels in children with MS
Sponsor: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Eligibility: Persons with MS between 9-15 years of age; relapse free for the past 30 days; Willing to visit the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for 1 visit.
Other: Come to the University of Illinois for one 3 hour long testing session.
Contact: Dominique Kinnett-Hopkins (217)244-1191; www.enrl.net
Additional Information: Click here to download recruitment flyer

Impact of a specific type of exercise on people living with MS

Objective: A study to evaluate the impact of a specific type of exercise on Gait, Balance, Flexibility and Spasticity on people living with MS.
Sponsor: The fitMS® NeuroBalance Center
Eligibility: Between the ages of 18 and 67, diagnosis of MS, able to walk 25 feet with or without assistive device & EDSS between 4 and 6 determined by participants Neurologist along with release to participate.
Contact: The fitMS® NeuroBalance Center, NFP - Call 847-800-6162 or email info@fitms.org
Additional Info: Click here to download recruitment flyer
Investigators and Collaborators:
Dr Rob Motl, Dr Nate Thom, Dr LeeAnn Steinfeldt, Joy Wagner RN

Physical Activity and Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: Study of physical activity in people with MS
Sponsor: University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Eligibility: Persons with relapsing-remitting MS between 18-64 years old; ambulatory with or without a cane; willing to wear pedometer device over 12 months; complete packet of surveys.
Other: Receive up to $30 compensation
Contact: Dr. Chung-Yi-Chiu 844-800-9972 or mspalog@gmail.com
Additional Info: Click here to download the recruitment flyer

Neurological Conditions

Objective: Identify issues that are important to the quality of care for rehabilitation patients.
Sponsor: The Center for Rehabilitation Outcomes Research
Eligibility: Adults 18 and over; must be able to speak and understand English; Have OR care for someone with a neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis.
Other: Come to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago or Alexian Rehabilitation Hospital for a focus group lasting 1.5-2 hours.
Contact: Arielle Goldsmith - (312) 238-0714 or agoldsmith@ric.org
Additional Info: Click here to download recruitment flyer

Managing MS Relapses
Objective: Managing MS Relapses
Sponsor: School of Rehabilitation Therapy at Queen's University, Canada
Eligibility: Persons with MS 18 years old or over; physician confirmed relapse in past 6 months; live in Chicago area or Kingston area of Ontario and able to complete survey in English.
Other: One telephone survey of 30 to 60 minutes in length.
Contact: Toll Free 1-855-533-3407 or Dr. Miho Asano at 613-533-3407
Additional Info: Click here to download recruitment flyer 

FlexToBa Exercise Program 
Objective: FlexToBa Home-based Exercise program for people with MS
Sponsor: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Eligbility: Persons with MS 50 years or over; able to walk unassisted or with a cane; not currently engaged in regular exercise; Requires two testing sessions and one orientation session in Urbana-Champaign
Other: A study on the effectiveness of free DVD-delivered, home-based six month exercise intervention
Contact: 888-359-0022;  https://epl.illinois.edu/ftbms/
Additional Info:  Click here to download recruitment flyer 

Mothers with MS
Objective: Mothers with multiple sclerosis - A study on the experiences of parenting for women with MS. 
Sponsor: Midwestern University
Eligibility: Women with MS, have at least one child between the ages of 8-18 and speak English. 
Other: Requires in home interview and observation
Contact: Dr. Emily K Simpson
(630) 515-7127 or esimps@midwestern.edu
Additional Info: Click here to download recruitment flyer

Children and Teens with MS
Objective: To better understand MS in children and teens. 
Sponsor: Lurie Children's Hospital
Eligibility: 19 yo or younger with NO diagnosis of MS; no first degree relatives with MS; no autoimmune disease or chronic neurological condition; and see doctors at Children's Hospital. 
Other: $30 gift card upon completion of study. 
Contact: Lauren Webb - (312) 227-3550
Principal Investigator: Dr. Jennifer Rubin
Additional Info: Click here to download recruitment flyer

Teleconference Study
Objective: To study the efficacy of over-the-phone teleconference program to promote physical activity and reduce fatigue in people with MS
Sponsor: Cleveland Clinic
Eligibility: Diagnosis of MS; age 18-65; not regularly physically active; able to walk 25 ft with or without a cane; no severe cardiopulmonary conditions. 
Other: Will receive a telephone and headset for the study. Funded by the National MS Society. 
Contact: Dr. Matthew Plow -  (216) 445-1203
Additional Info: Click here to download recruitment flyer

Home Based Fall Prevention Program
Objective: To examine the effectiveness of a home-based exercise program, an educational program and their combination on minimizing falls and fall risk.
Sponsor: University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign
Eligibility: Diagnosis of MS; 50+ years of age; and have fallen within the last year.
Other: Free Program
Contact: Jacob Sosnoff - StopFallsMS@illinois.edu

Postural Control Investigation
Objective: Investigation of postural control in individuals with MS in order to understand the loss of control and help develop rehabilitation strategies. 
Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago, Physical Therapy Department
Eligibility: Diagnosis of MS; able to stand without support and who are able to walk for 10 ft. with or without support; between age 18-75.
Other: In return for participation, payment of $20 per hours up to a total of $60 and validation of parking.
Contact: Dr. Alexander Aruin  - (312) 355-0902
Additional Info: Click here to download recruitment flyer

Effects of Exercise Study
Objective: To study the effects of exercise on mobility and physical fitness in individuals with MS. 
Sponsor: University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition
Eligibility: Diagnosis of MS and some difficulty walking; Age 18-64; Physically active <2 days/week; Relapse free over past 30 days.
Other: Up to $300 compensation
Contact: Tracy Baynard (312) 413-1962 or Mandy Bunsawat (312) 996-9607  or email ipl_uic@yahoo.com
Additional Info: Click here to download recruitment flyer