Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies

April 10, 2023
Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies

Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies

Having multiple sclerosis can be a daunting challenge. But participating in multiple sclerosis research studies is one action that can have a number of positive benefits.  Arming yourself with information and building a support network are the first steps to building your strategy for success.  And once you've done that, consider the benefits of participating in multiple sclerosis research studies.  Not only are you contributing to the greater good by helping to advance scientific understanding and treatment options, but you are taking steps to improve your health.  And being proactive helps combat feelings of helplessness. It also connects you to another level of support and gives you access to doctors and researchers that would otherwise would not be available to you.

SWiMs: The Society with MS

SWiMS is a patient-led movement whose goal is to find, fund and advance the most promising research for a cure and/or nerve remyelination for MS. We also intend to lobby lawmakers to push legislation that will change the laws that keep us sick.

The current approved MS drugs cannot cure or repair damage (specifically nerve damage) caused by the disease.  But now, there are finally therapies entering trials with curative potential and/or repair actions such as Remyelination, Axon repair, Plasticity, Autophagy, Synaptogenesis, Immune homeostasis, Anti-inflammation, Neurogenesis, and Neuroprotection.  

Join the SWiMS Research Study Group on Facebook for discussions of therapies on the Research Database, including new treatments and Research Profiles.

Click HERE to Search Clinical Trials by City

MS Society's Listing of MS Surveys and 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.

Behavioral Interventionfor MS Via Zoom

Researchers at Kessler Foundation are studying whether a series of online classes based on cognitive behavioral therapy and positive psychology principles may improve self-efficacy, coping, psychological well-being, and quality of life in MS. Participants are people who are diagnosed with MS, age 18 and older and have access to the internet. Participation will involve attending 6 weeks of a group, online informational series, which will be conducted via Zoom. Participants will also complete a series of online assessments (taking approximately one hour) immediately prior to and following the intervention and 6 months later. Participants will be compensated for their time. 

Contact Information:  Haleigh Hamrick; hhamrick@kesslerfoundation.org

 

"Sit Less, Move More" Multiple Sclerosis Research Study

Methods:  The Sit Less, Move More program, was a 12-week multiple sclerosis research study conducted in April 2019.  It was a behavioral intervention that used text messaging along with newsletters and coaching to manage sedentary behavior. Researchers at UAB recruited ambulatory, inactive, African Americans with multiple sclerosis.  Participants wore activity monitors for 7-days and received daily text messages and bi-weekly newsletter and calls.

Conclusions:The Sit Less, Move More intervention is safe and feasible for African Americans with multiple sclerosis, and yielded a small reduction in sedentary behavior. The intervention was low cost and well received. The results suggest the Sit Less, Move More program should progress towards a Phase II trial to determine its efficacy.

Contact Information:  Dr. Jessica Baird and Dr. Jeffer E. Sasaki spearheaded the project.  If you would like to find out more about the project, contact Jeffer on 205-975-9321 or via email enrl@uabmc.edu and ask about the "Sit Less, Move More" study.