Blood Flow Restriction Training for People with MS

The Primary Aim of this research study is to determine the feasibility of 8 weeks of physical therapy strengthening exercises using blood flow restriction (BFR) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who have moderate-to-severe walking problems. BFR training involves placing a cuff on the leg being exercised in order to restrict blood flow. The cuff is attached to a specialized device that automatically detects the appropriate amount of pressure to place on the limb.

Click here for the BFR-MS Clinical Trials.

Proximal Resistance Training for People with MS

The objective of this study is to pilot a 10-week resistance and functional movement intervention targeting proximal muscles in 40 people with MS. The investigators will assess implementation feasibility, collect pilot data for key walking function outcomes, and examine movement-pattern and activity behavior mechanisms. Walking function will be measured by walking capacity and physical activity. Movement-pattern mechanisms will be measured using 3D motion capture analysis (pelvis and trunk kinematics). Activity behavior mechanisms will be measured by patient-reported outcome questionnaires.

Click here for the PT-MS Clinical Trials.

SPARX3: Study in Parkinson Disease of Exercise Phase 3 Clinical Trial

SPARX3 is a research study to learn more about the effects of aerobic exercise on people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) who have not yet started medication for their PD. It will compare the effects of moderate intensity treadmill exercise to high intensity treadmill exercise on the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. 

You may be eligible to participate if you:

• Have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease within the last 3 years
• Are not yet taking medication for your PD symptoms and do not plan to start medication within the next 6 months
• Are willing to take part in a regular treadmill exercise program for 18 months and participate in study visits periodically for 24 months
• Are 40-80 years old
  

If interested, please contact Katherine Balfany:
Email: SPARX3@ucdenver.edu | Phone: 303.724.9101
Principal Investigator: Cory Christiansen, PT, PhD

This study is funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
www.sparx3pd.com

Dysvascular Amputation Self-Management of Health

The experience of amputation compounds the pre-existing physical inactivity of people with Diabetes and Peripheral Artery Disease. Despite the presence of recommendations for comprehensive interdisciplinary approach, focused on a return to community living, there are no guidelines to improve physical inactivity. The goal of this study is to implement a telerehabilitation component to promote physical activity during prosthetic training. 

Click here for the DASH clinical trials study report.

Gait Retraining After Dysvascular Amputation

Following a dysvascular amputation, individuals often adapt their walking patterns to accommodate for loss of ankle function which can result in an asymmetrical walking pattern, negatively influencing walking efficiency and disability. The purpose of this study is to determine if the use of error-augmentation gait training using the split-belt treadmill or error-correction using prompts from a metronome improves gait symmetry in people who have experienced a dysvascular amputation. 

Personalized Reference Charts for Prosthetic Rehabilitation

A one-size-fits-all approach to prosthetic rehabilitation does not take into account differences in age, cause of amputation, or physical activity before amputation. Working with non-traumatic lower limb amputation and health care providers such as physical therapists and prosthetists, we will begin to develop personalized reference charts to enable precise goal-setting and targeted monitoring. The “patients-like-me” approach has been developed for recovery after total knee arthroplasty and is being adapted to people with lower limb amputation.

Walking Exercise Sustainability for Veterans with Lower-Limb Amputation

Veterans with lower-limb amputation have poor long-term outcomes even with the use of a prosthesis. Our study will determine the potential of a walking exercise self-management program to achieve sustained exercise participation. The 18-month intervention is focused on helping Veterans reduce habitual sedentary behavior through a remote exercise behavior-change intervention that includes multiple clinical disciplines, individualized exercise self-management training, and peer support. This innovative approach shifts the conventional rehabilitation paradigm to specifically target the life-long exercise sustainability and remove an underlying cause of disability for Veterans with lower-limb amputation.

Click here to view WEST clinical trials report.

Blood Flow Restriction and Veterans with MS

This project proposes to study a strength training program using blood flow restriction (BFR) in people with advanced disability due to MS. BFR uses a device that partially blocks blood flow to the exercising limb and causes a response in the muscle which can replicate the effects of high-intensity training using much lower intensities. This is ideal for people with MS who have advanced disability, as they often cannot tolerate higher intensity exercise due to severe weakness and fatigue. By studying BFR training in people with advanced disability due to MS, the investigators hope to help improve strength, mobility, fatigue, and quality of life in people with MS.

Click here to view the BRAVe-MS study report.