Exercise Neuroscience Research Laboratory

11/18/2025

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago are now recruiting persons with multiple sclerosis to participate in a study that evaluates the effects of a 16-week remote Pilates exercise program on physical and psychological outcomes in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

The intervention is home‑based and designed to improve accessibility by reducing transportation barriers while promoting physical and psychological well‑being.

Click here to sign up: https://uic.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_etvbrHI9FrWJ4oe?Q_CHL=qr

11/07/2025

Thank you to Dan and Jennifer Digmann, the hosts of the A Couple Takes on MS podcast, for being strong sources of inspiration for those living with multiple sclerosis.

Listen to the latest podcast episode featuring Prof. Rob Motl for a great conversation on how and why movement truly matters for everyone at every stage of the MS journey.

Episode 89: https://acoupletakesonms.com/podcast/episode-89-taking-on-exercise-ms-with-professor-rob-motl/

10/08/2025

Last chance to participate in this study! We are looking for a few more people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to complete this online survey which aims to identify the knowledge and perceptions of exercise training and its guidelines among people living with MS.

Click here to begin: https://www.redcap.ihrp.uic.edu/surveys/?s=HXWYJETJRWKCTPLC

09/30/2025

Members of the lab were delighted to attend the 10th Annual AIMS Golf Outing! AIMS hosts this wonderful event every year to support people in our community affected by multiple sclerosis. Thank you to David and his family for always welcoming us!

Learn more and support AIMS: https://www.helpaims.org/

09/24/2025

Watch the video below for an update on Dominic Shadbolt's cycling journey across Canada to raise awareness and support for brain health initiatives for people living with multiple sclerosis.

Dominic, otherwise known as theMSguide, has been living with MS for 33 years and is a strong advocate for maintaining an active lifestyle with MS. Learn more and support his mission: https://www.rc4ms.org/

07/30/2025

Calling all those in the Chicagoland area who are interested in learning more about disability progression across the spectrum of multiple sclerosis! Register now for this FREE educational event hosted by MS Views and News featuring Prof. Robert Motl and Dr. Augusto Miravalle who will provide presentations and answer questions from attendees.

Limited spots are available! RSVP now at https://msviewsandnews.org/event/understanding-disability-progression-oak_brook

07/23/2025

Meet Dominic Shadbolt who is cycling across Canada to raise $1 million for multiple sclerosis! Listen in as he shares the inspiration for this challenge and how staying active has allowed him to take on this expedition, 33 years after his MS diagnosis.

Follow his journey and support the fundraiser at www.rc4ms.org!

Money raised will benefit the Brain Health Center of the Rockies which delivers both treatment and education to those living with neurological conditions.

07/08/2025

MS Views and News is dedicated to the global collection and distribution of information regarding multiple sclerosis, particularly in rural and underserved communities in the U.S.

Sign up for their newsletter and upcoming events to learn more about this great non-profit! For those in the Chicagoland area, register now for the event on September 6th in Oak Brook, IL!

Visit https://msviewsandnews.org/start/ to learn more.

06/18/2025

Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis is hosting Living Well Live, a one-day event to bring together the MS community, learn more about the evidence and research behind lifestyle, and hear from expert guest speakers. Discounted early bird tickets are available now, so don't wait to sign up!

Learn more and purchase tickets here: https://overcomingms.org/live-well/events/living-well-live

06/18/2025

06/04/2025

Exercise is highly beneficial for people with MS, prompting the development of MS-specific exercise guidelines. Despite these recommendations, many individuals with MS adopt inactive lifestyles, highlighting the need for data to inform effective dissemination and implementation strategies for promoting exercise training. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the knowledge and perceptions of exercise training and its prescriptive guidelines among people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), with a secondary objective to identify their exercise habits and how these influence their understanding of exercise training. The study is fully remote, and involves answering one online survey. Participation only takes about 10-15 minutes.

We are looking to recruit individuals who:
I) are diagnosed with MS,
II) 18 years and above,
III) currently reside in the US.

Click here if you are interested in participating: https://www.redcap.ihrp.uic.edu/surveys/?s=HXWYJETJRWKCTPLC

05/22/2025

Join us on Tuesday, June 3rd at 1 PM CDT/2 PM EDT for a presentation by Prof. Motl! He will discuss recent evidence, current studies, and future directions of exercise training for multiple sclerosis. You can attend online (see Zoom information and QR code) or in-person at the MS Dream Center of Rhode Island! Whether you have already established an exercise routine or are looking to get started, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the science behind the benefits of physical activity for MS. We hope to see you there!