Surveys and Other Research Studies

The National MS Society is committed to delivering accurate and reliable information to everyone affected by MS, and subsequently reviews many requests for participation in MS surveys. Following is a list of surveys (mostly online) and other research studies seeking to recruit people with multiple sclerosis that has been reviewed by the Society and offered as information only, not an endorsement or recommendation. The surveys/studies are being conducted either by investigators seeking to answer scientific or health policy questions about MS, or by pharmaceutical or medical device companies conducting market research efforts to develop or improve products for people with MS. Further details about each survey/study, as well as contact information, are included below.

If you would like us to post a study on these pages, please email studies@nmss.org to find out what information you need to submit for review.

The Adult Neurogenic Communication Disorders (ANCD) Laboratory in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Memphis is seeking participants with Multiple Sclerosis to help us learn how different neurological conditions impact speech. This research will help optimize clinical therapies for improving speech.
 
What will you do in the study?
1) Participants will wear a head-mounted microphone and have their speech recorded to a computer.
2) Speech tasks may include describing a picture or how to perform a task, reading a short paragraph, saying short sentences, talking about a topic of interest to the participant and performing two tasks simultaneously (e.g., speech tasks while executing a motor or thinking task).
3) Cognitive tasks may include memory (e.g., recalling words and symbols) and thinking (e.g., sorting cards and describing how the cards are sorted).
4) Total time commitment of approximately 2 hours, scheduled at your convenience.
 
Why might you consider participating?
1) Hearing screening
2) Participants will be compensated
3) Complimentary parking at Speech and Hearing Clinic
4) Knowledge that you are helping in the development of speech therapies
 
Some of the study qualifications include:
1) Native speaker of American English
2) Vision or corrected vision adequate for reading
3) Pass hearing screening (minimal hearing loss; no hearing aids)
 
For information please call Lynda at 901-678-3295 or email: uofmancdlab@gmail.com

The MotherToBaby Aubagio® (teriflunomide) & Pregnancy Study is being conducted by the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS) and coordinated by the University of California, San Diego.

This study is observational, which means women who enroll will not be asked to take any medications or vaccines or change any part of their routine. Women who qualify for this study, will not only have the opportunity to interact with our expert staff who can provide additional support during their pregnancy, but they will also play a key role by helping us learn more about MS during pregnancy, and the safety of medications during pregnancy for their own benefit and the benefit of other pregnant women and their babies in the future.  

Women may qualify for this study if they are currently pregnant and:

• Have been diagnosed with MS
• Have taken/are taking Aubagio® or have chosen not to receive treatment

To learn more about participation in the study please call 877-311-8972, email MotherToBaby@ucsd.edu, or visit our website at MotherToBaby.org 

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are conducting a long-term, prospective, observational research study to understand what makes individuals with MS and related disorders differ from one another. Specifically, they aim to investigate the predictors of the individual differences in disease trajectory and treatment response using a wide range of biological, biometric, imaging, environmental, and clinical measurements.  Understanding the factors that influence disease trajectory and treatment response will pave the way to realize precision medicine and deliver individualized care. 
 
Eligibility:

1. 7 years and older
2. Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or related disorders 

Minimal Requirement:

• Answering questionnaires online, by phone or in person
• Allowing the review of medical records. 

If you are interested in learning more, please contact the research coordinators by phone at 412-254-4883, or by email at msstudy2@pitt.edu.

Researchers at the Department of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai West are seeking volunteers of both African American and Caucasian ancestry 18 to 70 years of age to participate in a study to assess brain and spinal cord structure and function in people with MS using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The purpose of the study is to find new ways to detect changes in the brain that may be associated with MS, and may help, in the future, to predict the course of the disease.

Participants will need to complete a study visit annually over a period of 4 years. Study visit will take approximately 3 hours. Eligible participants should have a diagnosis of MS, be fluent in English and willing to complete a study visit, including clinical examination and MRI annually over a period of 4 years. Study visits will take approximately 3 hours to complete. Participants will be compensated for their time and effort. They may also receive a CD with pictures of their brain and spinal cord. For more information email ingleselab16@gmail.com or call 212-824-9319 [GCO#; PI: Matilde Inglese, MD, PhD.

Students at Emory University are conducting a research study designed to learn about workplace experiences of people living with disabilities, including multiple sclerosis. The goal of this study is to gather information on these experiences, to better understand how they affect employment inclusion, and to consider what solutions can help to cope with these experiences.
 
Participation involves a 6-minute survey. Below is the link:
http://bit.ly/AbilityInclusionXperience

If you want to get further information, please email abilityenabled@gmail.com

A Trainee Clinical Psychologist at the University of Sheffield (UK) is looking for people with MS to fill in two online surveys (6 weeks apart).
 
Prospective participants must meet the following criteria:

• Be over the age of 18
• Have a diagnosis of MS (any type)
• Be able to read and write in English

The research is investigating the role of self-perceptions in adjustment to MS.  Some of the topics discussed include experiences of stress, the impact of MS on various areas of life, self-perceptions, and perceived ability to cope with the difficulties associated with MS. The questionnaires should take approximately 20 minutes to complete and participants will be invited to complete the second part six weeks following the first questionnaire.
 
The study has received ethical approval from the University of Sheffield Research Ethics Committee. Upon completion of the second part of the study, participants will be entered into a prize draw. Participation is greatly appreciated.
 
Survey: https://sheffieldpsychology.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2mhOHHns0hHCY1n
 
For more information you can contact the researcher at sday3@sheffield.ac.uk.

The USC Multiple Sclerosis Center is recruiting people with MS to validate a new smartphone app.  myMS is a personalized tool to help track MS at home. Participants will be asked to complete six-minute walking tests, cognitive function tests, visual acuity tests and quality of life questions as well as baseline and follow-up surveys through the myMS app. Participants will gain access to imaging visualization and genetics information free of charge through the myMS app.
 
If you have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, are able to walk with or without assistance, and are 18 years or older you are able to participate.  To join head to https://mspilot.usc.edu

• You must live in the USA or Canada to participate in this study.
• You must be 18 or over and have been diagnosed with MS by a healthcare professional to participate in this study.
• Please have your MRI image DVDs available for upload before starting the registration process 

For any questions or concerns please contact: (323) 442-3013 or aimslab@usc.edu

Researchers in the Sensorimotor Neuroimaging Laboratory from the Department of Health and Exercise Science at Colorado State University are recruiting participants for a study to measure how gait and balance are associated with the brain in people with MS. The study involves participation in:

• Questionnaires
• Neuroimaging approaches (MRI brain scan and non-invasive brain stimulation)
• Gait (walking) testing
• Balance testing 

Participants are required to be:

• diagnosed with relapse-remitting MS -or- neurologically healthy
• able to walk and stand without an assistive device
• 18 - 85 years of age

Results from this study will enable researchers to demonstrate the changes in brain structure and physiology then relate that to gait characteristics in people diagnosed with MS. Participants will be compensated for completing participation in this study. If you are interested in participation, the next step is to find out if you meet the study inclusion criteria by contacting via email: sbr@colostate.edu or via telephone (970) 491-6160.

Parents and their middle- and/or high-school aged children are invited to participate in a Queens College research study on Parental Health and Children’s Educational and Psychological Functioning. Parents and their middle- or high-school aged children will be asked to complete separate questionnaires online, and each will be compensated.
 
This study is led by Dr. Cliff Yung-Chi Chen, Assistant Professor, Educational and Community Programs, Queens College of the City University of New York.
 
Please email yungchi.chen@qc.cuny.edu for more information. Please include the number of middle- and/or high-school aged children in the email.

elevateMS is an iPhone app-based study designed to monitor and understand the variations in symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis or MS. Living with MS disease means coping with symptoms that may change daily. Yet these daily changes may not be tracked frequently enough. The elevateMS app will use questionnaires and sensor data from your phone, to help you track your condition 24x7, allowing you to review trends and share this information with researchers. elevateMS is run by Sage Bionetworks, a nonprofit research organization in collaboration with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
 
Key Features:
●      Innovative activity-based measurements of MS symptoms that include walking few steps and finger tapping
●      10 minutes/week committment
●      Share insights with researchers
●      Get educated about symptom variations

Researchers are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

• 18 or older
• U.S. resident
• Have a personal iPhone (iPhone 4S or newer). The app requires iOS 8.0 or later, and is compatible with iPhone and iPod touch.

Click here to download the app from the Apple iTunes Store. For further information on this study, please visit our website at www.elevatems.org.
 
For question or concerns, please email elevateMS@sagebase.org or call toll-free 1-844-822-4707 or 206-667-2103.

Researchers in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and Carle Hospital are conducting a study to assess the relationship between nutrition and eye health among people with Multiple Sclerosis.  Participation consists of two visits, each lasting 2 – 3 hours.  Participants will be asked to complete surveys, eye exams, a neurological exam, a blood draw, and EEG computer tasks.  Participants will also be asked to record their diet for 7 days and wear an activity monitor for 7 days between appointments.  Participants will be compensated.

Inclusion criteria: ages 45 – 64, ambulatory with or without assistance, and not be diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration.

For additional information please contact Alicia at (217) 300-1667 or lumesuiuc@gmail.com.

Researchers from the Augusta Multiple Sclerosis Center of the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, under the direction of Lara Stepleman, Ph.D., are interested in exploring the impact of health literacy on emotional functioning in people living with MS.  The research study survey can be accessed online at mshealthsurvey.com.
 
This survey is open to all those who have been diagnosed with MS, are 18 years of age or older, and are able to independently or with assistance complete survey items.
 
In addition to basic demographic questions, participants will be asked about MS-related health, beliefs about MS, knowledge of medical and self-management interventions for treating symptoms of MS, beliefs about the efficacy of various alternative treatments, preferred means for educating one’s self about MS, and emotional health.
 
The survey is anonymous (no identifying information will be collected) and takes about 25-45 minutes to complete, dependent upon the number of MS symptoms being experienced.  For your time, you will have an opportunity to be entered into a raffle drawing.  To maintain anonymity, the contact information collected for participation in the raffle will not be linked to survey responses.  The research study survey can be accessed at mshealthsurvey.com and completed via computer, iPad, tablet, or smart phone.
 
If you have questions about this survey, please contact Becca Floyd, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, at refloyd@augusta.edu.
 

Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine are conducting a survey to evaluate Multiple Sclerosis Patient Needs and Satisfaction. The questions focus on what you feel your healthcare team could improve upon/do differently to increase your satisfaction and see to all your needs. The results of this study will be released to hospitals nationwide in order to improve MS patient care. Please click on the link to complete the survey online:  https://uic.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aaQnpQ4ltcs2Owt
Estimated time to complete is 10-20 minutes. 

A Clinical Neuropsychologist who is also studying at the University of Leicester is looking for male carers of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to fill in a short collection of surveys online.
Prospective participants must meet the following three criteria:

• Be a male
• Be over the age of 18
• Be caring for a loved one with a diagnosis of MS

The research is investigating characteristics of social support, carer burden, willingness to seek help and attributes related to gender. This research will help to highlight further the needs of male carers of people with MS and some of the barriers they may face in accessing support. It has received ethical approval from the University of Leicester Research Ethics Committee. All responses will be anonymous however participants can choose to provide an email address for a chance to win a prize. Participation is greatly appreciated.

Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3VP5BKM

For more information you can contact the researcher at DAppleton@hssd.gov.gg. 

Researchers at New York University are testing a new and innovative assessment for measuring everyday activities for MS patients.
Prospective participants must meet the following criteria:

• Definite diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis
• Between ages 18-65 years
• No history of Traumatic brain injury, stroke, seizures or other neurological illness than MS
• No history of drug or alcohol abuse
• English as primary language 

Participation will include one evaluation session that will take approximately 3 hours and involves neuropsychological testing and self-report questionnaires.

Compensation for time and travel will be provided, and the study will be conducted at New York University in New York City or in Kessler Research Foundation in West Orange, New Jersey.

If you think you meet study criteria and would like to participate in the study, please call or email (email is preferred):
 
Yael Goverover, Ph.D. OT, Principal Investigator
(212) 998-5854
(646) 251-9497
email: yg243@nyu.edu

Researcher at Oregon Health and Science University is investigating the role of brain mechanisms underlying fatigue and the effects of fatigue on balance control in people with Multiple Sclerosis.The study involves participation in:
 Fast six-minute walking task without walking aid or support
 Strength testing of foot muscles
 Nerve stimulation behind leg
 Balance testing
 Optional brain MRI scan

Participants are:
 18 to 65 years old,
 healthy or have MS
 not a regular exerciser (moderate to high intensity exercise > more than 3
times a week)

Participants will be compensated for completing a visit to Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon. If you are interested in participation, the next step is to find out if you meet the study inclusion criteria. Please click on the link here:

https://is.gd/FatigueinMS  

or paste it into your web browser to complete the screening questionnaire. You will receive an email or phone call if you qualify for the study.

Researchers at Towson University are investigating how individuals’ caregiver experiences and personality may affect their mental and physical health when caregiving for those with chronic illnesses such as MS. Your participation in the study may help researchers and therapists learn more about the influences on mental and physical health of caregivers, and this could improve their work with those who provide the care for family members with chronic illnesses such as MS.
 
Researchers are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

• Are currently at least 18 years old
• Have provided care for a parent or adult relative with MS for at least one month, regardless of the age at which the caregiver role began

The study consists of an online survey that takes about 30 minutes to complete.  To participate, please follow this link:    https://towsonpsychology.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_ebntHo4hdYSx0c5

The link will begin with an informed consent form, followed by the survey. 
If you have any questions or concerns before deciding to participate, you can contact Kim Shifren, Ph.D. at kshifren@towson.edu . This study was approved by the institutional review board at Towson University on 12/05/2016, protocol # 1612011461.

Researchers from Central Michigan University are very interested in learning from college students of any age with MS. The purpose of the study is to learn about the techniques used to manage the college lifestyle and feedback regarding the effectiveness of various resources.

This is an anonymous online survey that will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CollegeMS
 
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Dr. Holly Hoffman at gerki1hh@cmich.edu or 989-506-9651. Thank you!
 

Researchers at Purdue University are investigating how an individual’s coping skills and distress associated with a partner diagnosed with multiple sclerosis affect romantic relationships. Your participation in the study may help couple and family therapists learn more about the influences on relationship satisfaction, to improve their work with individuals with chronic illnesses.
 
Researchers are looking for participants who meet the following criteria:

• Are at least 18 years old
• Are currently in a romantic relationship of at least 1 year duration
• Have a partner diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

If you have any questions or concerns before deciding to participate, you can contact Anne Edwards, 219-989-8439 or abedward@pnw.edu. This study was approved by the institutional review board at Purdue University on 12/09/2016, protocol # 1611018454.
 
LINK TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE: https://purdue.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_9vLLuyftS8WvKgR

REAL MS™ (Research Engagement About Life with Multiple Sclerosis) is a longitudinal, prospective study (that is, it will collect repeated observations of the same variables from now over a long period of time) of a cohort of people with multiple sclerosis (that is, it will study a group of individuals who share the characteristic of living with MS). It is designed to answer important questions about the heterogeneity of the experience of MS across the population of people who are living with the disease and about the factors that affect MS progression and treatment outcomes. The REAL MS™ study was initiated in August 2016 as the flagship research program of the iConquerMS^TM patient-powered research network. The study will collect comprehensive data about demographics, overall health, quality of life, MS symptoms and treatments semi-annually via online questionnaires, and will from time to time invite its participants to reply to surveys on particular topics and/or to contribute biospecimens.

Over the course of the study, REAL MS™ intends to enroll thousands of people living with MS who are as reflective of the MS population as possible. All adults 21 years of age or older who live with MS and register for iConquerMS™ are eligible to participate in the REAL MS™ study. 

Register for this study by joining iConquerMS
 

Researchers in the Department of Health and Exercise Science at Colorado State University are exploring how differences in strength between the right and left legs may contribute to walking impairments and fatigue induced by walking in people with MS. The study will take place in the Integrative Neurophysiology Laboratory in the Department of Health and Exercise Science, on the Colorado State University campus. Two visits are required, during which tests will be completed including questionnaires, and tests to determine leg strength, handgrip strength, body composition, and walking impairments. Participants also will wear an ActiGraph to measure physical activity for seven days.
 
Click here for a screening form to determine eligibility

For more information, please contact Integrative Neurophysiology Lab at HES-inpl@colostate.edu or 970-491-7612.

Investigators at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are conducting a study to investigate what factors and personal characteristics impact the usage or discontinuance of assistive technology devices. This is an anonymous survey so participants will not be asked for any identifying information. It should take about less than 15 minutes to complete the questionnaire. 

Results are expected to help improve the prediction of modern IT-based assistive technology device potential usage or discontinuance rate among people with disabilities.
 
Click here for the survey 

For any questions or concerns, please contact Dr. David Strauser via phone at 217-244-3936 or via email at strauser@illinois.edu.

Researchers at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire are seeking women with primary progressive MS to participate in a brain imaging study. The study involves an MRI of the brain (without contrast) and can be completed in one visit. Modest financial compensation is provided to help offset the time and costs of travel to Lebanon NH.

Recruiting:
I. Women with Primary Progressive MS, aged 25-55, right-handed, with no other major neurological or medical conditions
II. Healthy females to serve as control participants, aged 25-55, right-handed, with no other major neurological or medical conditions

If you are interested, please contact contact Emily Geiger by telephone (603) 650‐4536 or email emily.j.geiger@hitchcock.org.

Researchers from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Dartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical Center are conducting neuroimaging studies focused on understanding the biological bases of MS. Study procedures include questionnaires, brief cognitive tests and a functional and/or structural MRI exam (without contrast). Participation can be completed in one visit.

Recruiting:
I. Persons with an MS diagnosis, aged 18‐65 with no other major neurological or medical conditions
II. Healthy persons to serve as control participants, aged 18‐65 with no major neurological or medical conditions

Modest compensation is offered for time and travel to Lebanon, NH. If you are interested, please contact Emily Geiger by telephone (603) 650‐4536 or email emily.j.geiger@hitchcock.org

This research examines thinking ability and fitness in MS. To participate, individuals must be diagnosed with MS and be willing to participate in two testing sessions lasting approximately two hours each. 
 

• Tests of thinking skills: You will be asked to complete a short set of pen/paper and question/answer tests that assess your ability to focus and sustain your attention, learn and remember new information, and other types of thinking skills. 
• Questionnaires: You will also be asked to complete paper-and-pencil questionnaires. The questions ask about your personal characteristics (such as health issues) as well as your exercise habits, mood, symptoms of pain and fatigue self-efficacy, and how all of these affect your day to day life. 
• Physiological Testing: Baseline levels of your height, weight, and waist to hip ratio will be recorded today. Heart rate, blood pressure, tympanic body temperature, and cerebral oxygenation will also be recorded. 
• Functional Testing: You will be asked to perform some functional testing to determine your fitness level. These tests will assess your cardiovascular fitness, and mobility. 
• Activity Monitoring: You will be asked to wear an activity monitor daily throughout the study. The monitor can be worn on your wrist, waistband, shirt, or in your pocket throughout the day.

 
If you are interested, please contact kent.ms.study@gmail.com or call 330-552-8277.

Researchers at Kessler Foundation are interested in learning whether different types of feedback (assessments of one’s performance on a task) might lessen fatigue in MS. Participants will complete pen and paper tests (4 hours) then complete a multiple-choice task during an MRI scan (1 hour) at Kessler Foundation in West Orange, New Jersey. Compensation will be provided.
 
Eligibility:

• Must be between 18 and 55 years old
• Must have a diagnosis of Relapsing-Remitting MS.

If interested, please contact Nancy Moore at 973-324-8450 or nbmoore@kesslerfoundation.org.

Professor Chung-Yi Chiu, PhD, of the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health at University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is conducting a study of lifestyle physical activity among people with MS. Participation consists of completing three survey packets over a period of 6 months. Participants will also be asked to wear a small movement measurement device on the waist for 7 days at three separate times (i.e., every 3 months).  Participation will be compensated.
 
Inclusion criteria: RRMS, 18-64 years old, able to walk without assistance, or able to walk with a cane.
 
Please note that there is no travel involved as all the materials will be delivered and returned through pre-paid postal service.
 
For further information and to check if you qualify, please contact the research group toll free at 844-800-9972 (local number is 217-300-2800) or by email to:  hapams2@gmail.com  

Researchers at Kessler Foundation are interested in learning how individuals with MS process emotions and how this affects relationships and quality of life. Participants will complete pencil and paper testing and answer questionnaires (a total of 5 hours which may be done in one or two visits). The participant’s significant other will also be asked to complete several questionnaires. Compensation will be provided. Healthy controls are also needed.
 
Eligibility:

• Must be between 18-55
• Must have no other neurological illness.

If interested, please contact Nancy Moore at 973-324-8450 or nbmoore@kesslerfoundation.org.

Doing two things at the same time can be challenging, especially for individuals with MS. How do our cognitive resources help us navigate complex or noisy environments?

To investigate this question, researchers at the Cognitive Neurophysiology Lab at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx are conducting a study measuring brain activity while participants walk on a treadmill. 
 
Eligibility Criteria:
• Must be 25-45 years old
• Must be diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
 
The study involves two parts: a neuropsychological evaluation (lasting about 1.5 hours) and an EEG study where you will be asked to walk on a treadmill and perform a simple cognitive task. EEG is a simple, non-invasive and painless method to look at brain activity (lasting about 3-4 hours). The lab is easily accessible by car or public transportation.

Participant will be compensated. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Pierfilippo De Sanctis by Telephone: (718) 862-1828 or (718) 862-1848; Email: psanctis@einstein.yu.edu  

Researchers at Bastyr University are collecting as much data as possible over a five-year period with the hope of finding dietary and lifestyle factors associated with a slower disease progression. They are seeking the positive deviants. In this study, they are going to monitor participants’ health and disease status, and describe the dietary and lifestyle factors associated with the positive deviants. Among individuals with MS who are doing really well, what are they doing?

People with MS are invited to participate regardless of health status. The more people who participate, the more can be learned. To participate in this study, please read the consent form posted at www.CAMCareMS.bastyr.edu. Then fill out an online questionnaire every 6 months for the next five years.

Part 1: How are you doing? What are your habits? (15-30 min)
Part 2: What do you eat? (20 min)

Please direct any questions to Dr. Mischley at 425-602-3306 or neuroresearch@bastyr.edu.

 

DePaul University researchers invite persons with ME, CFS, MS, Lupus, and Cancer to participate in a voluntary research study to determine which symptoms may be commonly experienced by individuals in multiple fatiguing illness groups, and which symptoms may be unique to each illness. Participation includes completion of a confidential online questionnaire, which takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.

Eligibility Criteria:
Adults at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to read or speak English
• Have a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus Erythematosus, or Cancer.

Click here to access the survey

In order to discover the triggers of MS, National MS Society-funded investigators at the University of Utah are seeking to collect existing brain biopsy tissue from individuals nationwide who underwent a brain biopsy to diagnose an episode of “acute demyelinating disease,” including multiple sclerosis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, optic neuritis, or clinically isolated syndrome.  The researchers will arrange for the transfer of the tissue. No visits to the University of Utah are needed. Read more.

Researchers from the Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Partners Multiple Sclerosis Center are recruiting 5,000 subjects who have at least one first-degree relative with a diagnosis of MS. The goal of the study is to identify the genetic, environmental and immune profiles that may increase a person’s risk of developing MS. A first-degree relative could be a parent, sibling, or child of a person with MS, and the study is limited to those between 18 and 50 years of age.

Read more about this study.

Investigators at the MS Comprehensive Care Center at the University of Southern California are examining the genetic clues linked to geographical origins that may be responsible for the clinical characteristics observed in Hispanics with MS. They are recruiting 300 individuals of Hispanic/Latino background. Participants will be asked about their ancestry and clinical characteristics via in-person questionnaire. A single blood sample for gene typing will also be obtained and sent for analysis. Participation is usually a single visit. This is an observational study. No drugs or interventions are used in this study.

For information, please contact contact the MS Center at (323) 442-6870 or mscare@usc.edu.

Investigators at the University at Buffalo are conducting an online longitudinal survey of individuals who have MS and are currently working. The goal of this research is to help patients identify possible vulnerabilities that may create employment problems. In this survey, participants will be asked about their work activities and problems they may have encountered. The entire survey will take less than 15 minutes to complete. Participants are being asked to complete the survey every few months so that any changes in
employment status can be confidentially identified. There is no direct compensation for this study.

For further information, please contact mscogsur@buffalo.edu.

Click here to go to the survey.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML, a viral infection of the brain that usually leads to death or severe disability) has occurred among people who have used Tysabri® (natalizumab, Biogen Idec) after it became available for prescription in July 2006. (Read more here.) TheNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of the National Institutes of Health has created a website that contains information on PML for patients and their families. It also has a section that is a disease registry, where health care providers (after they request a password) can securely enter anonomyzed data that can then be used by different researchers to further understanding of the disease.

Read more at https://pmlregistry.ninds.nih.gov.

The Integrative Neural Systems Laboratory at Marquette University is seeking subjects to participate in a research study to examine avenues for rehabilitation of intention tremor in multiple sclerosis.

 Seeking healthy participants over 18 years old with normal or corrected-to-normal vision
 Seeking participants with MS over 18 years old and moderate to severe intention tremor
 Time Commitment: up to six 2-3 hour sessions over 3-4 weeks
 Compensation will be provided.

Participants will be tested on a series of tracking tasks using a robotic handle to examine how movement control changes under different visual conditions.

The outcome of this study will improve understanding of the factors that contribute to intention tremor in MS and may provide insight into therapies to reduce intention tremor.

For additional information, please contact Scott Beardsley, Ph.D. (Principal Investigator) at 414-288-4448 or Megan Heenan (study representative) at 414-288-1592.

JuneBrain, a small medical device startup company, is seeking individuals with MS to complete a brief 10-20 minute interview regarding their needs and typical daily routine as an MS patient.
 
These interviews will be conducted at a time most convenient for you either over the phone or in-person if you live in the Washington, DC area. Participation is voluntary and any information you provide will remain anonymous. Example interview questions include:
 
-- When were you diagnosed with MS? What led to your diagnosis?
-- How has your life changed since being diagnosed with MS?
-- How do you and your doctor monitor your disease?
 
The answers you provide will help gain a better understanding of unmet needs within the MS community, and help develop a product for people with MS.
 
If you have any questions or are interested in participating, please contact samantha.scott@junebrain.com. 

The Google Accessibility Engineering Team is looking for persons with disabilities to become testers of new Google products with the purpose of providing accessibility feedback to the engineering teams at Google.  If deemed a fit, participants in the program will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on new products, interact directly with teams at Google via email, phone and/or video chat, all while helping to make products more accessible.   

For the pilot program, which may last up to one year, Google is looking for tech-savvy users who are at least 18 years of age and reside in the U.S.  Anyone interested in the program should fill out this survey, which is also linked below. 

Have questions about the program? Feel free to contact google-accessibility-trusted-tester@google.com.

Sign up form link:  https://goo.gl/forms/eVlMN8pTOJOXhUN22

Researchers at McGill University are currently looking for children and adolescents diagnosed with MS and their parents to participate in an online study about their MS. Children with MS and their parents will be asked to answer a web-based survey consisting of four short measures: the Patient Generated Index (PGI), an individualized measure; EQ-5D Youth version, a health utility index with 5 items; the KIDSCREEN-27, a 27-item quality of life measure; and the Faces Scale for mood, energy, and pain. The questionnaires will take no more than 15 minutes to complete. The survey is completely anonymous.
 
The inclusion criteria include diagnosis with MS before the age of 16, age between 8 years and 25 years old at time of survey, and fluent in either English or French.  Parents of children with MS are eligible to participate. If interested, to participate in the survey, please click on the following link: goo.gl/e2ekwU
 
For additional information, please contact Nikki Ow at xiao.ow@mail.mcgill.ca.
 

The University of Colorado is conducting a study that will try to improve our
understanding of the very earliest signs of MS by looking at individuals at high risk of developing MS, especially young adults with relatives already diagnosed with MS.

You may be eligible to participate if you:
» Are 18-30 years of age
» Do not have a parent, sibling or child with Multiple Sclerosis
» Have not been diagnosed with MS and have no symptoms of MS
The visit will take place on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical
Campus.

Please contact:
Nicola Haakonsen, Research Recruitment Specialist at the
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus by calling
(303) 724-4644 or e-mailing nicola.haakonsen@ucdenver.edu.

Tampa Bay Uveitis Center Research Clinic is seeking participants with MS to help us learn how the eyes can be used to monitor progression of MS. This research will help optimize clinical monitoring for progression of MS.

What will you do in the study?

1. Participants will have a comprehensive eye examination
2. Testing will include testing your peripheral vision, taking pictures of your eyes, doing a special picture of the optic nerve and the retina to check for any changes due to MS
3. You will get and examination every 6 months to test for changes; a total of 5 exams over 2 years
4. Total time commitment 2 hours, scheduled at your convenience

Some of the study qualifications include:

1. Male or female
2. Diagnosis of MS with a neurology exam in the last 3 months
3. 18 years old or older

Participants will be compensated for travel.

For information please call Kim at 855-798-8393 or email: contact@tampabayuveitis.com

You are invited to participate in a study examining structural and functional brain differences in MS. The primary goal of this study is to examine how the brains of individuals with MS who do not have a  history of depression are different from comparison groups (i.e., MS+Depression). Researchers will explore how any differences we find contribute to more problems with depression in MS and see how such differences might lead to better treatment options for individuals in either group. 
 
The study involves two telephone screens and a clinical visit at Penn State, University Park, which involves clinical interviews, cognitive testing, questionnaires, an MRI scan, and a saliva swab. The in-person visit
takes about 6-7 hours. Participants will be compensated, and some funds are available to help with travel. 
 
To qualify for this study, you must meet the following criteria: 
 
Inclusion Criteria: 
- Over 18 years of age
- Diagnosis of MS from a neurologist
- Fluent in English
- Able to participate in cognitive testing
- Able to undergo an MRI
- Able to travel to State College, PA
 
Exclusion Criteria: 
- History of OR current depression
- Current psychotherapy/counseling treatment for depression
- Unwilling or unable to consent
- Diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia 
- Substantial neurocognitive impairment (Dementia)
- Suicidal ideations
- Contraindications for MRI scan (e.g., metal in your body)
 
For information, please ontact Dr. Peter Arnett and his research team at the Imaging and Depression in MS Project at:814-865-5578 or depression.imaging.study@gmail.com

MedStar Health Research Institute is seeking individuals with Multiple Sclerosis for a study that looks at the natural history of urinary symptoms, how those symptoms impact your daily life, and when symptoms most likely are related to a urinary tract infection.

Qualifications to participate in this study:

• Diagnosed with MS for at least 1 year
• Void for bladder management
• Have had 3+ episodes of urinary symptoms since diagnosis
• Use an assistive device

What to expect:

• You will fill out a urinary symptoms survey every two weeks for one year. The survey is sent to your e-mail (Please take the following survey before reaching out to get an idea: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/USQNBvoid)
• You will do a dipstick analysis of your urine
• You will receive compensation for completing the study

If interested in this study call Dr. Amanda Rounds at (571)332-9887 or email: Amanda.K.Rounds@medstar.net

About one half of people with MS experience a change in their cognition. Cognition refers to mental activities including attention, concentration, multi-tasking, processing information, memory, and problem solving. Traditional paper-based tests are expensive, time consuming and require the expertise of a cognition specialist. Reliance on in-person assessment creates barriers for individuals who are limited in their physical mobility, access to transportation, and/or geographical proximity to a specialized medical provider. This study from Johns Hopkins Division of Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology will determine if a web-based cognitive assessment is effective for assessing cognition in individuals with MS.
 
Eligibility: Individuals with and without a diagnosis of MS who are at least 18 years old.
 
Participation Includes: One 2-hour in-person appointment, which will include a paper-based cognitive test and a web-based cognitive test.  Take the web-based test one additional time at home. Participants will be compensated.
 
If you are interested, please contact:
Johns Hopkins Division of Rehabilitation Psychology and Neuropsychology
Email: MSRehab@jhmi.edu
Phone: 410-502-9222

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University are doing a survey to learn more about the wide range of treatments used by people with MS.
 
People who are over 18 years old and have MS are invited to participate in the Survey of Treatments Used by People with Multiple Sclerosis (Treat MS Survey), which is a survey that asks about the treatments you use to manage your MS and MS- related symptoms.
 
Responses will be anonymous. Researchers will not ask for any information which could connect your answers back to you, other than your zip code. If you agree to participate, you will be directed to complete an online survey. This study does not involve any visits to OHSU.
 
Participants who complete the survey can enter a drawing for compensation.  
If you are interested in learning more, please click the link below to read information describing the procedures, risks and benefits of participating in the study. If you agree to participate you will be directed to a survey collecting; the survey will take up to 30 minutes to complete.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the study staff at 503-494-3549 or TreatMS@ohsu.edu. You may also contact the Principal Investigator, Rebecca Spain, MD, MSPH at (503) 494-5759. Dr. Spain is an Assistant Professor in the OHSU Department of Neurology.
 
Please click the link below to begin the survey.
 
https://octri.ohsu.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=8EXA4R4TJW
 

Multiple Sclerosis Employment Study
 
Researchers at Purdue University are interested in the work experiences of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, particularly how working or not working affects well-being.
 
They are looking for participants who:

• Are either employed or unemployed.
• Have a confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
• Are age 18 and above.
• Live in the United States.
• Can commit to a 45-60 minute interview.

If you meet the criteria and are interested, please fill out the following 5 minute screener survey: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3En3SZqor3CQvtj.

The team will contact you if you are eligible to participate. Participation is voluntary, and the information you give will be de-identified and kept strictly confidential. Those who participate will be compensated for their time. If you have any questions, contact Blake Allan, PhD, Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology, Purdue University, ballan@purdue.edu.  

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are conducting a research study about the participation of people living with disabilities in the community. The goal of the study is to better understand the needs of people long-term disabilities to maintain independence and health as they age to improve services. Study participants will complete three surveys about their health and participation in activities at home and in the community over the course of two years. Participants will be compensated for each completed survey. Potential participants must meet the following criteria:

• Age 45-65 years
• Self-reported onset of a physical disability (e.g., MS, SCI, CP, stroke, amputation) at least 5 years prior to participation
• English-speaking

You may take the survey online or over the phone:
If you would like to take the survey online: https://is.gd/agingwithdisabilitysurvey

If you have questions or would like to take the survey over the phone, please call Marian at 314-273-4118 or e-mail the research team at cedarmidwest@paraquad.org 

Researchers at the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign are addressing how religion and spirituality affect coping behavior and health management behavior in people with MS.

Rationale: Due to the unpredictable nature of MS, many people with MS experience increases with their stress levels. In turn, the increased stress levels can worsen MS. Previously, researchers have found that religiosity and spirituality have helped people with other serious and/or chronic illness with increased stressed levels, physical and mental health, cardiovascular and neuroendocrine systems, and immune function.

Details: You do not have to be affiliated with any specific religion or be religious to qualify. No travel is involved! Once an individual has been enrolled (through online intake or through a telephone screening), a researcher with either e-mail a link to the online survey or mail a paper copy of the survey with a self-addressed, pre-stamped return envelope. The survey should take approximately 45 minutes to complete. Individuals will be compensated for their time and effort with the survey. There is no cost to the study participants.

To be qualified: Eligible participants must be 1) Clinically diagnosed with any type of MS within the previous 2 years, 2) 18 years or older, and 3) Not bedridden.

Please note: This study cannot enroll international participants at this time.

Contact: To participate, or request additional information, please complete our brief intake form.
OR you may contact us directly:
Email: copewithms@illinois.edu
Toll Free Telephone: (844) 800-9972

Researchers at Trine University and the University of Indianapolis are seeking individuals with multiple sclerosis to participate in a study investigating the relationship between standing balance and self-efficacy (an individual's belief in their ability to successfully achieve a desired level of performance).  The study consists of answering three questionnaires and performing a standing balance test.  The study is conducted in one day for a time period of 1 ½ hours.

Participants for this study must:

• be 18 years old,
• have a confirmed diagnosis of MS
• absent from a relapse 6 weeks before testing
• be able to read and understand 2 – 3 step verbal instructions
• have the ability to walk three meters (or 10 feet) with or without an assistive device, unaided by another person.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Althea Watson at Trine University in Fort Wayne Indiana at 260-702-3588, or by email at watsona@trine.edu.  Testing will be conducted at Trine University in Fort Wayne IN, and at the University of Indianapolis in Indianapolis IN.

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are interested in how the environment you live in shapes your physical activity. The survey focuses on your current physical activity behaviors, neighborhood environment, thoughts, and health behaviors. The results of this study will help in creating future programs to promote physical activity in persons with MS. Please click on the link to complete the survey online, you will receive compensation for your time (20-40 minutes).

https://uab.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_elIBggTa2GRhYrP

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are conducting a research study to understand things that influence physical activity in adolescents with MS. This study requires completion of a 10- to 15-minute set of questionnaires online. Participants will be compensated after completion of the questionnaire. Understanding what makes adolescents with pediatric multiple sclerosis more active will help in creation of physical activity programs and interventions. Teens may be eligible for this study if they are between 14 and 17 years old and are diagnosed with pediatric MS. If you are interested, please help your child access the questionnaires by clicking the link below. If you have any questions, please contact the research coordinator at (205) 975 - 1306 or at enrl@uabmc.edu. 

https://uab.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4PDMIsZhVTzOB2B

A student at the University of Dundee are studying the social and mental impact of multiple sclerosis. By researching MS and the physical and invisible elements of the illness this researcher is exploring the differences in the impacts of both elements of an individuals life. The questionnaire has been approved by the University of Dundee Research Ethics Committee, the questionnaire should take around 10 minutes to complete. 
 
Participants must be:

• Over 18 years old
• Diagnosis of MS (any type)

Participation is completely voluntary and confidential. Please click the link below to access the questionnaire, if you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to email me at k.j.ward@dundee.ac.uk. 
 
https://dundee.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/impacts-of-an-invisible-disability-multiple-sclerosis-c

Researchers at Virginia Tech are studying the experiences of people with disabilities as they travel and navigate, so the researchers can better understand the challenges people with disabilities face.

Eligibility Criteria: 18 years of age or older

Have any type of disability (physical, intellectual, psychiatric, etc.)

Have access to a computer

The study consists of one online survey.

Completion is expected to take 15-20 minutes.

Survey can be accessed via this link https://redcap.vtc.vt.edu/surveys/?s=9J8AKKDFKF.

If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact the research team at shivercm@vt.edu or 540-231-5434/

Researchers at the University at Buffalo are looking for people with heat-sensitive, Relapse Remitting MS to participate in a study aiming to identify how well individuals with MS use cooling strategies to mitigate symptoms of heat stress that may arise during exercise.

You may be eligible for this study if you: 
Are Male or Female ages 18-60
Have been clinically diagnosed with heat-sensitive, relapse-remitting MS 
(EDSS between 1-3.5)
Have not experienced a relapse within the last 6 months
 
This study requires 3 visits to the University at Buffalo, South Campus for a total of approximately nine hours. Participants will be compensated for their participation. Please contact Nicole Vargas, PhD, at ntvargas@buffalo.edu. 

Volunteers needed for research on people’s experience of taking medications in people living with long-term physical health conditions.
 
Researchers are looking for participants with any type of chronic physical health condition, aged 13 and over for a study exploring how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours relate to taking medications. The study will involve completing a simple online survey. All participants will be asked if possible to complete the same questionnaire twice, once now and the other 3 months after completing the first version.
 
You are under no obligation to reply to this advertisement or the online survey. However, if you choose to, participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time. The study is approved by University of Leeds Ethics School of Medicine (SoMREC) subcommittee reference: MREC17-068. 
 
Researchers are conducting a study looking at how people’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours relate to their adherence to medication. Your participation will increase our knowledge in this area. You will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire asking about some general background information, your medical history, how your physical health condition has impacted your life, and how you think, feel, and behave in response to taking your medication. Overall, this study should last no longer than twenty to thirty minutes.
 
Young people (aged 13-15 years) must ask their parents to sign a consent statement here first: https://tinyurl.com/ycqsb3r8

Young people (aged 16-17 years-old) can go straight to here: https://tinyurl.com/ybqcwj2d

Adults (18+): https://tinyurl.com/y9rhy97d
For more details please contact Dr. Anthony Harrison (umamh@leeds.ac.uk).
 

Researchers from Kent State University College of Nursing are seeking family caregivers of loved ones with serious illness such as MS for a caregiver registry. Enrolling in the registry is voluntary and allows researchers to contact you if a research study becomes available. Prospective registry participants must meet the following criteria:

• A caregiver for a loved one with a serious illness, such as MS
• Be age 18 or over

This registry has received ethical approval from the Kent State University Institutional Review Board (IRB). You can withdraw from the registry at any time.  To learn more about and to add your name to the registry, visit the website at https://www.kent.edu/caregiver/family-caregiver-registry.

For more information, you can contact the researcher at dhansen1@kent.edu.