Recruiting Now!
Do you struggle with mobility or maneuvering yourself around objects? Are you afraid of falling when faced with obstacles? The MCRL is offering training that aims to improve your activity levels.
Our goal is to help enhance your motor and cognitive function through the use of virtual reality. If you choose to participate, you can be compensated for your time!
The objective of this training is to use virtual reality to enhance mobility and cognitive function in patients with MS.
What will I have to do?
- If you decide to participate in this study, you will first be screened to ensure you are able to complete the study. If you pass the screening, you will be assigned a time for an assessment, where you will then be asked to fill out a consent form(all information is confidential). The assessment looks at your cognitive abilities and walking patterns. This will take about 75-90 minutes.
- Then, you will be randomized (like a roll of the dice) to one of the following groups: Treadmill Training or Treadmill Training + Virtual Reality.
- If you are placed into the Treadmill Training Group, you will be asked to come in for 1 hour, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. This totals to 18 visits. This 1 hour session will consist of walking on a treadmill, with breaks at your request.
- If you are placed in the Treadmill Training+Virtual Reality Group, you will be asked to come in for 1 hour, 3 times a week for 6 weeks. This totals to 18 visits. This 1 hour session will consist of walking on a treadmill in addition to being placed in front a screen. Breaks can be taken at your request. You will be asked to perform various tasks that challenge your motor and cognitive skills.
- Both groups will receive phone calls from the MCRL to check on you through out the entire study.
How long does it take?
This study last 8 weeks, with 1 additional assessment 3 months after your final training session.
- Week 1: 1 assessment lasting 75-90 minutes
- Week 2-7: Training 3Xs a week for 6 weeks. Sessions will last 1 hour.
- Week 8: 2nd assessment lasting 75-90 minutes.
- Final assessment 3 months after completion of training.
How do I get started?
If you are interested, or you know someone who might be interested, you have several options.
- Fill out the contact sheet to the right. It goes to our Project Coordinator.
- You can call us at (217) 244-7006.
- You can email us at StopFallsMS@illinois.edu.
Will I get paid?
Yes! We can offer compensation in the following ways:
- We will give you $20 for each assessment you complete. You will also receive $5 for each training session you complete.
- We cover parking!
- Earn up to $150.
Where is this study?
- The assessments for this study will be conducted at Freer Hall on the UIUC campus.
- Training sessions will be held at Huff Hall in Room 1006. We are asking for a lot of your time, so we are willing to work with your schedule!