New Delhi, India – October 23, 2025 – GFFI Fitness Academy, a global leader in fitness education, today announced the successful completion of its pivotal role in the Movement-Oriented Velocity of Engagement (MOVE) Protocol study, a multi-site, international clinical investigation that is set to redefine the standards for musculoskeletal pain recovery. In a powerful collaboration with the MMSx Authority Institute for Movement Mechanics and Biomechanics Research, GFFI demonstrated its commitment to advancing evidence-based practice by contributing the largest cohort of participants to the study.
Under the leadership of GFFI’s own Pankaj Mehta, M.P.Ed., who served as the Site Principal Investigator, the academy successfully recruited and managed 16 participants through the 8-week protocol. This significant contribution was instrumental to the overall success of the 40-participant study, which was coordinated across four elite sites in India and the United States.
The MOVE Protocol (NCT07220200) challenges the outdated paradigm of prolonged rest for musculoskeletal injuries. Instead, it champions a structured, four-phase approach of early, progressive activity designed to accelerate recovery, restore function, and empower individuals to return to their daily lives faster and with greater confidence. The study officially commenced in June 2024 and has already yielded remarkable results.
“Our involvement in the MOVE Protocol study is a testament to GFFI’s core mission: to equip fitness professionals with the most advanced, scientifically validated tools to make a real-world impact,” said Pankaj Mehta. “We are not just training instructors; we are building a global network of leaders who are at the forefront of movement science. This study proves that a proactive, movement-centric approach is the future of rehabilitation, and GFFI is proud to be leading the charge.”
A Collaborative Effort for Global Impact
The study was sponsored and centrally coordinated by the MMSx Authority, a world-renowned institution founded by Dr. Neeraj Mehta, Ph.D., who also served as the study’s Coordinating Principal Investigator. The collaboration brought together a global team of experts, including:
•BodyGNTX Fitness Institute (USA), which managed the U.S. cohort and co-funded the research.
•Indian Institute of Kinesiology and Biomechanics Science (IIKBS), which provided critical support in applied biomechanics testing and data validation.
•GFFI Fitness Academy (India), which led participant engagement and protocol delivery in the region.
This international partnership ensured the highest standards of quality and scientific rigor, adhering to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.
The GFFI Site: A Closer Look at the Methods and Results
At the GFFI site in New Delhi, 16 participants aged 18-65 with acute or subacute musculoskeletal pain were enrolled. Under the guidance of Site PI Pankaj Mehta and Study Coordinator Priya Sharma, BPT, each participant underwent the 8-week MOVE Protocol.
The intervention consisted of four distinct, progressive phases:
1.Mobilize Early: Gentle, pain-free movements to restore joint mobility and activate tissues.
2.Optimize Load: Gradual introduction of resistance to build strength and tissue capacity.
3.Validate Neural Control: Exercises focused on balance, coordination, and proprioception to retrain the nervous system.
4.Energize Recovery: Low-intensity aerobic work to improve circulation and metabolic readiness.
Key Outcomes from the GFFI Cohort
The data collected from the GFFI site was integral to the study’s powerful overall findings. The combined results from all 40 participants demonstrated clinically significant improvements across all primary and secondary measures.
| Outcome Measure | Average Improvement (Δ Week 8) |
| Pain Reduction (NRS Score) | -5.1 points (Clinically Meaningful) |
| Functional Improvement (LEFS/UEFI) | +27.4 points (Significant Restoration) |
| Balance (Single-Leg Stance) | +13.4 seconds |
| Functional Strength (30-s Sit-to-Stand) | +6.3 repetitions |
Crucially, the study reported a median return-to-daily-activities time of just 14 days and an 82% adherence rate to the home programs, underscoring the protocol’s feasibility and effectiveness. Furthermore, there were zero serious adverse events, confirming the safety of the early mobilization approach.
[Graph 1: Bar chart showing GFFI’s participant contribution (16) compared to other sites.]
[Graph 2: Line graph showing the average pain reduction (NRS) over 8 weeks for the GFFI cohort.]
The Future of Fitness is Evidence-Based
The success of the MOVE Protocol study reinforces GFFI Fitness Academy’s position as a pioneer in the fitness industry. By actively participating in and contributing to cutting-edge research, GFFI ensures that its 118,000+ certified trainers worldwide are equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver superior outcomes for their clients.
This study provides a clear, actionable framework that can be immediately implemented by personal trainers, coaches, and physical therapists to help individuals recover from pain and enhance their quality of life. GFFI is proud to have played a leading role in this landmark research and will continue to champion the integration of science and practice to elevate the global fitness landscape.
About GFFI Fitness Academy: GFFI Fitness Academy is one of India’s oldest and most respected fitness education institutions, offering internationally accredited certifications to over 118,000 professionals worldwide. With a focus on practical, evidence-based education, GFFI is dedicated to empowering the next generation of fitness leaders. Learn more at gffi-fitness.org.
About MMSx Authority: The MMSx Authority Institute for Movement Mechanics and Biomechanics Research is a leading global organization dedicated to advancing the science of human movement. Through research, education, and the development of standardized protocols, MMSx is setting a new standard for performance and rehabilitation. Learn more at mmsxauthority.com.
References:
1.ClinicalTrials.gov. (2025). A Prospective, Multi-Site, Interventional Case-Series Evaluating the MOVE (Movement-Oriented Velocity of Engagement) Protocol for Musculoskeletal Pain Recovery. NCT07220200. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07220200
2.Mehta, N., et al. (2025). MOVE-001/2025 Clinical Study Protocol. MMSx Authority Institute for Movement Mechanics & Biomechanics Research. Version 1.0, June 15, 2024.
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