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Optimization and Pilot Testing of a Cognitive Behavioral based Physical Therapy Intervention to Address Falls in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Award Number: K01HD121935
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2031

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Optimization and Pilot Testing of a Cognitive Behavioral based Physical Therapy Intervention to Address Falls in People with Multiple Sclerosis - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This five-year plan for a K01 Mentored Research Scientist Development Award will equip Dr. Libak Abou with the essential knowledge and skills to help launch his career as an independent researcher specializing in the development of evidence-based behavioral interventions to address fall-related problems in persons with neurological conditions. Career Development and Training Activities: A carefully drafted career development plan will build on Dr. Abou’s expertise in observational studies on fall risk and allow for an expansion of his skillset as an interventionalist. The structure established by well-defined training goals will ensure his career development and facilitate his transition to independence. The training goals are: 1) to develop proficiency in qualitative research methods; 2) to acquire expertise in developing multidisciplinary behavioral intervention programs; 3) to acquire expertise in conducting clinical trials in neurorehabilitation; and 4) to develop grant writing skills and successfully submit an R01 application to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Abou will receive mentorship from experts in their respective fields (Drs. Kratz, Archer, Braley, Fritz, and Kidwell) and take full advantage of the strong institutional support and environment at the University of Michigan Medical School. Research Plan: Falling is a common problem that affects more than 50% of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and may result in physical injuries, fear of falling, reduced functional independence, poor quality of life, hospitalizations, and in some cases, fatalities. Consequently, falls place a substantial economic and taskforce burden on families, healthcare systems, and society. Testing of single modality fall prevention interventions (e.g., physical therapy for balance) has grown over the past decades; however, recent evidence underscores the critical need for multidisciplinary interventions to effectively address the diverse factors that contribute to falls in MS. We propose to optimize an existing Cognitive Behavioral based Physical Therapy (CBPT), provided by Dr. Archer (co-mentor), to design a fall prevention program that is feasible and acceptable to address falls-related problems and increase self-efficacy in people with MS. With support and guidance from his mentors, Dr. Abou will use qualitative methods to gather input from people with MS and healthcare providers to guide the optimization and refinement of CBPT-Falls program (Aim 1). The qualitative methods include iterative focus groups for program optimization and refinement, and one-on-one post-intervention interviews to guide final steps to further refine the program. He will examine the feasibility and acceptability of CBPT-Falls program by conducting a randomized pilot trial, using a structured PT program as the comparator (Aim 2); and examine changes over time within treatment groups (Aim 3). Toward the end of this award, Dr. Abou will submit an R01 application to support a large randomized clinical trial to test the efficacy of the CBPT- Falls program. At the conclusion of the award, he will be well positioned to further his independent research focused on leading multidisciplinary teams to address the problem of falls across neurological populations.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $135,540 )
2026	2026	REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN	1109 GEDDES AVE STE 3300	ANN ARBOR	MI	48109	WASHTENAW	USA	Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research	000	1	7/1/2026	NEW	$135,540
														Subtotal = $135,540

Grand Total All Awards = $135,540

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Optimization and Pilot Testing of a Cognitive Behavioral based Physical Therapy Intervention to Address Falls in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Award Number: K01HD121935

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 06/30/2031

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