Physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis
Title of Opportunity:
Physical activity in persons with multiple sclerosis
Faculty Mentor:
Robert W. Motl, Brian M. Sandroff
Department:
Physical Therapy
Contact:
Dr. Ted Bertrand,
Position Availability:
Summer 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019
Description:
The Exercise Neuroscience Research Laboratory (ENRL) is dedicated to promoting physical activity in persons with neurological disorders, particularly multiple sclerosis (MS). The ENRL, co-directed by Professors Motl and Sandroff, currently has upwards of 10 ongoing projects involving various studies of physical activity in persons with MS. This includes examinations of physical and cognitive functioning across the lifespan in persons with MS; Internet-based interventions for increasing physical activity among persons with MS; and trials of supervised exercise training for improving cognitive functioning and brain structure/function in persons with MS. Undergraduate researchers in the ENRL will assist faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students with data collection during tests of physical function, ambulation, and physical fitness. Other duties include assistance with recruiting prospective participants via telephone, preparation of testing materials, data entry, and data checking.
Desired Student Attributes:
The optimal ENRL undergraduate researcher will be enthusiastic about applying learned classroom material in actual research endeavors, and express a strong interest in exercise, neuroscience, multiple sclerosis, psychology, and/or rehabilitation. As the ENRL primarily involves research with human subjects, the ideal candidate will have flexible hours between 8am-5pm on Monday-Friday. Previous research experience with human subjects is preferred, but not required. The ENRL is located on the UAB campus (516 20th St. S, across the street from The Kirklin Clinic) and is less than a 10-minute walk from the School of Health Professions Building.