# Promotion of Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis through Physical Therapy (PromPT)

> **NIH NIH R03** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2024 · $328,524

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 49 years with no
curative options, resulting in a focus on rehabilitation strategies to manage symptoms, restore function, and
improve quality of life. Physical activity, particularly exercise training, is considered one of the best
rehabilitation strategies for comprehensive multiple sclerosis management. Despite strong evidence of the
safety and benefits of physical activity and exercise in this population, persons with multiple sclerosis do not
engage in sufficient levels of physical activity. Physical therapists are well positioned and have the expertise to
facilitate physical activity and exercise participation for persons with multiple sclerosis. However, physical
therapy is underutilized, particularly in people with more mild multiple sclerosis symptoms, when the best
results may be achieved. A newly developed proactive physical therapy delivery model may help persons with
multiple sclerosis increase and maintain their physical activity and exercise behaviors. The proposed study
involves 1) a randomized controlled trial to evaluate outcomes of feasibility in the four metrics of process,
resources, management, and scientific outcomes, and 2) an assessment of the immediate and sustained
treatment effect of the physical therapy model compared to a waitlist control on accelerometer-measured
physical activity. The feasibility trial will be conducted with a sample of 40 persons with multiple sclerosis
randomized to either the intervention or waitlist control group. Participants will complete assessments at
baseline, post-intervention (6 months), and follow-up (10 months). Participants will complete a summative
evaluation, including surveys and one-on-one semi-structured interviews, to assess satisfaction, acceptability,
feasibility, and appropriateness of the physical therapy delivery model. The proposed feasibility study,
interviews, and implementation assessments will directly lead to the submission of an R01 to test the efficacy
of an appropriately powered randomized controlled trial and to identify context-specific barriers and facilitators
to the successful uptake of this physical therapy model in clinical settings. The dissemination of the results of
this feasibility study can lead to improvements in physical therapy delivery for persons with multiple sclerosis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10814444
- **Project number:** 1R03HD111005-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Dominique Kinnett-Hopkins
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $328,524
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-08-01 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10814444

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10814444, Promotion of Exercise for Multiple Sclerosis through Physical Therapy (PromPT) (1R03HD111005-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10814444. Licensed CC0.

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