Lower limb training to improve walking in people with MS

Dr Phu Hoang

Dr Phu Hoang

Neuroscience Research Australia, NSW

| Better treatments | Social And Applied Research | Project | 2021 | Investigator Led Research |
SUPPORT PROJECTS WITH THIS RESEARCH FOCUS

Summary

Recent research has highlighted the importance of walking (for those able) and exercise as strategies for people living with MS to maintain wellness. Issues with walking and walking patterns (gait) often lead to consultations with allied health professional such as physiotherapists and exercise specialists. However, there is little information for these therapists on exactly which muscles are affected in the lower limbs and how muscle weakness may contribute to gait as the disease progresses. Additionally, there is a lack of best practice guidance on specific training programs to improve walking and mobility in people living with MS.

Dr Hoang and his team plan to explore the impact of weak muscles on walking patterns in people with MS and aim to develop an effective approach to improve gait. The first part of the study will explore lower limb muscle weakness in people with MS at different stages of the disease. The second part of the study will compare traditional strength training, which is used in current MS therapy, against a more individualised approach targeting commonly seen symptoms in MS, such as footdrop and knee hyperextension. It is hoped that this new knowledge will provide clinicians with more effective interventions to improve mobility for people living with MS and to assist in improved rehabilitation programs for the future.

Updated 20 January 2021

Updated: 19 January, 2021

Stages of the research process

Fundamental laboratory
Research

Laboratory research that investigates scientific theories behind the possible causes, disease progression, ways to diagnose and better treat MS.

Lab to clinic timeline: 10+ years
Translational
Research

Research that builds on fundamental scientific research to develop new therapies, medical procedures or diagnostics and advances it closer to the clinic.

Lab to clinic timeline: 5+ years
Clinical Studies
and Clinical Trials

Clinical research is the culmination of fundamental and translational research turning those research discoveries into treatments and interventions for people with MS.

Lab to clinic timeline: 1-5 years

Investigator

Grant Awarded

  • Project Grant

Total Funding

  • $240,000

Duration

  • 3 years

Read More
Associate Professor Anne BreustleDr Yvonne Learmonth

Newsletter subscription

  • Enter your details

Lower limb training to improve walking in people with MS