Exercise Neuroscience Research Laboratory

23/07/2025

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.

08/07/2025

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.

18/06/2025

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

18/06/2025

04/06/2025

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

22/05/2025

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!

09/05/2025

We are so grateful for the opportunity to give back to our community! Members of the ENRL were able to volunteer, walk, and enjoy being in such a supportive environment at this year’s Walk MS: Chicago. It was clear that there were so many ready to fight for a cure. Thank you to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for such an inspiring and moving event. We cannot wait to continue walking for a cure!

02/05/2025

🌟 Meet Tim: Future Physical Therapist🌟
Tim is one of our undergraduate research assistants at the ENRL. He is a kinesiology major with the goal of becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Tim used to play semi-pro soccer ⚽️, which gives him firsthand experience in the importance of movement science and injury recovery. His athletic background fuels his dedication to understanding human performance and rehabilitation.

Outside of research and academics, Tim has some fun and unique interests! He used to have a pet hedgehog 🦔 and enjoys collecting turtle figurines 🐢. These small details make him a well-rounded individual and a joy to have in our team! We’re so glad to have you in the lab, Tim! 💙👏

28/04/2025

Another amazing Walk MS: Chicago! 🧡✅

The Exercise Neuroscience Research Laboratory, along with their friends, family, and participants, had a wonderful time volunteering, walking, and cheering at this inspiring event hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The energy at Soldier Field was so powerful as individuals with multiple sclerosis were joined by their loved ones and supporters. This strong community brings us one step closer to a world free of MS.

28/03/2025

We've had a great success with enrolling nearly 300 people so far. But we are still looking for more participants so we can finish the study. Please use the link below to sign up and join the study!

https://www.redcap.ihrp.uic.edu/surveys/?s=NAMC7EE3EXA8JP3X

25/03/2025

We’re thrilled to highlight Kyra Dunmore, one of our outstanding undergraduate research assistants in the Exercise Neurosciences Research Lab (ENRL) since Fall 2024! As a third-year Kinesiology major with a Black Studies minor, Kyra is deeply committed to understanding movement, health, and rehabilitation—aligning perfectly with her goal of becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Her passion for movement isn’t just academic—Kyra competitively danced for 13 years, developing a deep appreciation for biomechanics, coordination, and the power of movement in overall well-being. This background fuels her interest in physical therapy, where she hopes to help others regain mobility and strength.

Beyond her research work, Kyra is dedicated to supporting her peers as a Peer Coach with UIC’s Academic Support & Achievement Program (ASAP). In this role, she helps fellow students navigate their academic journeys, reinforcing her passion for mentorship and leadership in health sciences.

And here’s a fun fact: when she’s not in the lab or mentoring students, Kyra is a huge fan of Kermit the Frog 🐸—a reminder that even the most dedicated researchers have their fun and quirky sides!

Kyra’s enthusiasm for research, combined with her drive to make a difference in physical therapy, makes her an invaluable part of our team. We’re so grateful for her contributions and can’t wait to see the incredible things she will achieve in the future! 💙👏

24/03/2025

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago invite you to participate in a voluntary study that focuses on understanding the differences in cognition, physical activity, and vascular parameters among colore**al cancer survivors and controls. If you have received treatment (i.e., surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy) for colon or re**al cancer in the past 6-months to 5 years, you may qualify! If interested, please fill out our pre-enrollment form: https://www.redcap.ihrp.uic.edu/surveys/?s=AWXLTLTXCFLRW3FX

**alCancer