If you are interested in participating or have any questions regarding the STRONG-MS study, please email our principal investigators, Lisa and Ayse.
Multiple sclerosis research study
Participate in the STRONG-MS study
STRONG-MS is a research study examining how high-intensity resistance and impact training can improve bone health and muscle strength in people living with multiple sclerosis. Join our study and take part in a structured exercise program tailored to small, private groups.
About the STRONG-MS study
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have significantly lower bone density and muscle strength – they have a 1.4 times higher fracture risk compared to others of their age and sex. This leads to an increased risk of osteoporosis and associated falls and fractures, impacting independence and quality of life.Our research aim is to understand how targeted exercise can strengthen bones, improve physical function and mobility, and empower people to engage with fitness environments. Physical activity levels are consistently lower in people with MS, which can contribute to weaker bones and muscles, and a higher chance of falling. We want to find ways to benefit fall/fracture risk and reduce the associated cost of healthcare visits.
Delivering an effective, accessible exercise intervention
To improve bone health, muscle strength and the quality of life in people living with MS, the STRONG-MS study is researching how to:
- boost bone health and muscle strength, and reduce fracture risk through a high-intensity resistance impact training program
- improve overall physical function and mobility of people with MS in everyday life
- empower participants to engage more confidently in physical activity, through supervision by qualified physiotherapists and exercise physiologists.
Why participate in the study?
Your involvement may contribute to the development of similar interventions for broader healthcare use, and help further our understanding of the relationship between physical activity levels, bone health and muscle strength in people with MS.
Join the STRONG-MS study
If you are interested in participating in the STRONG-MS study, please email our team to see if you're eligible.
What’s involved in the study?
If you qualify for the trial, you’ll attend supervised exercise sessions twice a week for 12 months. Our researchers will complete health assessments, including bone density scans, physical/mobility/cognitive task performance when you enrol, then after 12 months and 24 months. You’ll complete surveys about multiple sclerosis, physical activity and wellbeing.
Study commitments for participants
If you are eligible and become part of the study, you will be randomly allocated to one of two groups:
- Group 1: attend supervised exercise sessions twice a week for 12 months.
- Group 2: attend your usual health care for 12 months and then crossover to the exercise program for 12 months.
All participants will complete:
- health assessments, which include bone density scans and physical/mobility task performance at enrolment, 12-months and 24-months.
- surveys on MS, your physical activity, your cognitive ability and your wellbeing.
STRONG-MS study locations
The study will take place at the following locations – please consider which site would be the most accessible for you to attend on a consistent, long-term basis.
Victoria: MS Plus Blackburn and MS Plus Footscray
Western Australia: Perron Institute, Nedlands
Queensland: The Bone Clinic, Coorparoo.
What are the benefits and risks?
If you take part in the study the potential benefits include:
- improvements in muscle strength, bone health, physical activity levels, mobility, fall/fracture risk and overall health
- empowerment by qualified physiotherapists and exercise physiologists to confidently engage in physical fitness environments such as gyms and clinics
- ability to undertake bone density (DXA) scan at no cost to you (valued at $200).
The potential risks of participation include:
- muscle soreness, fatigue or minor injury associated with exercise
- radiation exposure during bone density scans.
Please note that as a participant, you will be exposed to a very small amount of radiation – significantly less than the naturally occurring radiation found in everyday life. No harmful effects of this radiation dose have been demonstrated in studies.
Meet our researchers
Our STRONG-MS study partners include Monash University, Monash Health, Edith Cowan University, Perron Institute, The Bone Clinic and Griffith University. Our principal investigators are:
- Dr Lisa Grech, Senior Research Fellow, Deakin University.
- Dr Ayse Zengin, Head of the Bone and Muscle Research Group, Monash Health.
