Dr. White received a grant from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The summary of her project is described below.

The goal of this project is to determine if progressive resistance training is associated with changes in mobility and quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Compromised neurological function in MS contributes to reduced daily activity with subsequent decline in physical fitness and mobility. Aerobic exercise is an important stimulus for enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness and improving functional mobility and its value in MS has been demonstrated. Progressive resistance training, on other hand, is a potent stimulus for improving muscle strength and endurance. Whether progressive resistance training is associated with changes in mobility and quality of life in MS remains unclear. Our hypothesis, therefore, is that progressive resistance training will result in improvements in mobility and quality of life in a sample of individuals with clinically definite MS. To address our hypothesis, forty volunteers who meet specific inclusion criteria will be randomized into either a progressive resistance training group or an active control group. The resistance training group will complete 16 weeks of upper and lower body progressive strength training, (3 days/week, 10-12 repetition maximum (RM) while the control group will complete 16 weeks of flexibility training (3 days/week). Muscle strength and endurance as well as functional mobility including ambulatory status, fatigue, balance and quality of life will be assessed before and after the training programs. To evaluate biological mechanisms by which strength and endurance might be altered by progressive resistance training, whole body muscle mass will be determined by dual x-ray absorptiometry and cellular changes will also be assessed from muscle biopsy specimens. Study findings will help optimize rehabilitation strategies aimed at improving functional mobility and quality of life for those affected by MS.