University Of Illinois Chicago receives $139K Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research grant from the National Institutes of Health

Physical activity behavior change intervention in persons newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis - activnms trial - project summary/abstract the overall objective of the proposed K99/R00 involves establishing the efficacy and mechanisms of a 16-week capability-opportunity-motivation-behavior (com-b) based behavioral intervention for increasing physical activity (pa) levels and potentially improving symptoms, comorbidities, and quality of life (qol) in persons newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (pndwms). This project and its objectives are highly consistent with the mission of the nichd for restoring and maximizing the capabilities of individuals affected by disease, injury, or disability. The research proposed in this K99/R00 application will proceed with two specific aims. The first aim (K99 phase) will establish the effect of the behavioral intervention on changing the com-b constructs (i.e., putative targets of the behavioral intervention) through a 2-arm pilot randomized controlled trial (rct) comparing the intervention with a waitlist control (wlc) condition. The primary hypothesis is that the 16-week com-b- based behavioral intervention, delivered via one-on-one behavior coaching and newsletters, will result in larger changes in com-b constructs compared with the wlc group. The results further will inform refinements of the intervention for research in the R00 phase. The second aim (R00 phase) will demonstrate the efficacy of the refined behavioral intervention for increasing pa levels through changes in com-b constructs and explore the secondary effects on symptoms, comorbidities, and qol in a 2-arm rct. Participants will be randomized into com-b-based or wlc conditions, and pa outcomes and com-b constructs (primary outcomes) along with other exploratory outcomes will be assessed at baseline and follow-up. There are further four training objectives in the K99 phase that will facilitate dr. Huynh’s career development and transition toward independence. These training objectives include: (1) competency in intervention refinement, implementation, and dissemination through behavior change mechanisms via com-b constructs; (2) knowledge and skills in designing and conducting mechanistic and efficacy rcts focusing on behavioral interventions; (3) knowledge in ms care practice and comorbidity management; and (4) professional development, with a special emphasis on grant writing and collaboration. The proposed research and training plan will prepare dr. Huynh for reaching an overarching career goal of becoming an independent investigator who develops, tests, and disseminates tailored behavioral interventions that promote pa and improve health outcomes and qol in individuals with chronic diseases, including pndwms. This research will initially take place at the University Of Illinois Chicago within the department of medicine and the division of academic internal medicine and geriatrics thereby providing the ideal conditions and resources for dr. Huynh’s research and career development.