IJMSC March 2026 Research Roundup

March offerings from the pages of the International Journal of MS Care (IJMSC). The video is a summary of all 5 papers in under 3 minutes.

Influence of Food Security and Social Support on Quality of Life Among Rural and Urban Iowans With Multiple Sclerosis: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study

Greater social support from family and friends is significantly correlated with improved mental quality of life for individuals with MS, regardless of whether they reside in rural or urban settings. Strengthening these functional and socioemotional support networks can serve as a vital strategy to mitigate the psychological impact of food insecurity and other social determinants of health

Finding Your Stride: Navigating Running With Multiple Sclerosis. A Qualitative Study

Authors identified 6 key themes from interviews with regular runners with MS, including navigating temperature extremes and the psychological need to run to maintain a sense of identity and control. Their insights can help clinicians provide tailored strategies for safe exercise adaptation and environmental safety, helping patients sustain mobility despite disease challenges.

Using Wearable Sensors and Video Analysis to Improve Functional Electrical Stimulation Prescription in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Series

Data show that wearable sensors and 2D video analysis provide immediate, objective feedback to optimize the prescription of functional electrical stimulation for complex gait impairments. Multichannel stimulation of both the lower leg and thigh yielded clinically meaningful improvements in gait speed and knee stability that were not always obvious through visual observation alone.

Two Sides of the Same Coin: A Randomized Clinical Trial of the Unified Protocol for Addressing Depression and Anxiety in People With Multiple Sclerosis

The Unified Protocol, a transdiagnostic cognitive behavioral therapy intervention, significantly reduced both depression and fatigue. The findings suggest that focusing on experiential avoidance and emotional regulation rather than just manifest symptoms can lead to long-standing improvements in coping and psychological well-being.

Ofatumumab Interruption Results in Disease Reactivation: A Case Report

The woman with MS in this case study experienced disease reactivation following a 4-month interruption of ofatumumab, a high-efficacy anti-CD20 therapy with a relatively short half-life. It provides real-world clinical insights into the pharmacokinetics of B-cell repopulation, offering a framework for managing treatment pauses during family planning or insurance transitions.