About

Current Research

Functional Outcomes of Diets for MS (FOOD for MS)

The purpose of FOOD for MS is to determine if eating a low glycemic load diet, with and without calorie restriction, can improve physical and cognitive function, pain, and fatigue in adults with relapsing forms of MS. Study participants will receive all food for 8 months. They must come to the lab at baseline, 4 months, and 8 months and will receive weekly calls from a registered dietician during the study.

This study is a collaboration with Washington University in St. Louis, and participants can enroll at the site closest to them.

Clinical Trials Registration number: NCT05327322 Funded by the US Department of Defense, grant number W81XWH-22-1-0924.

Targeted Approaches for Minority Engagement in MS Research (TAME MS)

The purpose of TAME MS is to explore health disparities among Black, Latino, and other racial minorities with MS.

We have recently published results of the first phase of this project, which indicated that Black adults with MS have higher risk of developing metabolic conditions including obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes compared to White patients.

We are currently conducting follow up research aimed at describing differences in health behaviors of Black and Latino adults with MS and improving representation of minority groups in MS clinical trials.

Previously Completed Studies

Time Restricted Eating Outcomes in MS (TREO MS)

The purpose of the TREO MS study was to test the safety, acceptability, and effectiveness of time restricted eating for improving symptoms and clinical outcomes of multiple sclerosis. Participants in this single-arm trial followed a type of intermittent fasting known as 16:8 for 8 weeks. On the 16:8 diet, they ate all food during an 8 hour window, and fasted for the remaining 16 hours each day.

Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT04389970 Funded by the UAB Nutrition Obesity Research Center

The purpose of the 24 START study was to examine the effectiveness of a low carbohydrate diet on increasing dietary adherence and improving cardiometabolic risk factors among adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants were randomly assigned to follow one of two diets while participating in a 6-month behavioral lifestyle intervention implemented through a novel eHealth platform specially designed for individuals with SCI.

Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT02630524 Funded by NIH/NICHD

The purpose of the ABC’s of MS study was to test the efficacy of a combined diet and physical activity intervention for reducing cardiometabolic risks and MS symptoms when compared to a physical activity intervention alone.

Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT03808545, Funded by the UAB Nutrition Obesity Research Center

Dietary Intervention using eHealth Technology in MS (DIET MS)

This project aimed to determine the feasibility of delivering a comprehensive behavioral lifestyle intervention including dietary and exercise components via an internet-delivered telehealth coaching program. Further, investigators gathered preliminary data on the change in multiple sclerosis clinical outcomes and cardiometabolic risk factors after participation in the intervention. The outcomes will inform the design of a larger randomized controlled trial.

Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT03372187 Funded by the National MS Society

AccuMeasure

The purpose of this study was to develop a valid method for segmental body composition assessment using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in a group of adults with spinal cord injury.

Funded by Paralyzed Veterans of America

Recent Publications

  • Martin, K.*, Cofield, S.S, Cross, A.H., Goss, A.M., Raji, C.A., Rinker, J.R., Wu, G.F., Blair, J., Fuchs, A., Ghezzi, L., Green, K., Pace, F., Pastori, G., Taylor, M.G., Piccio, L., Wingo, B.C. (2024). Functional Outcomes of Diets in Multiple Sclerosis (FOOD for MS): Protocol for a parallel arm randomized feeding trial for low glycemic load and calorie restriction. Contemporary Clinical Trials. 143:107584. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2024.107584.
  • Green, K, Taylor, M.*, Wingo, B.C. (2023). Eating Healthy with MS: Tips for understanding the meaning of “healthy eating.” Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 104 (11): 1977–1979. Published online: July 20, 2023.
  • Taylor, M.*, Green, K., Wingo, B.C. (2023). Meal Planning with MS: Tips for creating a healthy eating plan in the real world. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 104 (11): 1981-1983. Published online: July 1, 2023.
  • Wingo, B.C., Rinker, J.R., Green, K., Peterson, C.M. (2023) Feasibility and acceptability of time restricted eating in a group of adults with multiple sclerosis. Frontiers in Neurology- Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology. https://doi.org10.3389/fneu.2022.1087126.
  • Chase, C.*, Connell,E.*, Elliott, S.*, Jones,L.K.*, Larinde,O.*, Musachia, A.*, Smith,E.*, Cofield, S., Wingo, B.C. (2022). Differences in cardiometabolic comorbidities between black and white patients with multiple sclerosis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.103 (2): 331-335.
  • Wingo, B.C., Rinker, J.R., Goss, A.M., Green, K., Wicks, V., Cutter, G., Motl, R. (2020). Feasibility of improving dietary quality using a telehealth lifestyle intervention for adults with multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. 46:102504. DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2020.102504.
  • Wingo, B.C., Yang, D., Davis, D., Padalabalanarayanan, S., Hopson, B., Thirumalai, M., Rimmer, J.H. (2020) Lessons learned from a blended telephone/e-health platform for caregivers in promoting physical activity and nutrition in children with a mobility disability. Disability and Health Journal. 13(1):100826. DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2019.100826. PMID: 31416771, PMCID: PMC6901757.

*Denotes student author

For a full list of Dr. Wingo’s publications, click here.