MS Trust supported projects
Many people still think that MS research involves scientists in white coats with test tubes, MRI scanners and long medical words. Of course 'pure' research is essential if we are to understand more about the causes of MS and find new ways to control and perhaps even prevent or cure it.
But increasingly the value of research aimed at living better with MS is recognised - research which brings essential therapies to people who have to cope with MS every day of their lives, or which demonstrates how better services can be provided. One of the main objectives of the MS Trust is to provide funding for this "applied" research that can make a difference to the lives of people who are living with MS now.
The following are some of the research projects that have received MS Trust grants
Current Projects:
- Feasibility of abdominal massage for the alleviation of the symptoms of constipation in people with multiple sclerosis
- Belfast City Hospital
- Advanced multiple sclerosis and family relationship processes
- Institute of Neuropalliative Rehabilitation, Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability
- Reproducibility of a fatigue management programme
- University Hospital, Birmingham
- A qualitative study of what people with multiple sclerosis want from an occupational therapy service
- Douglas Grant Rehabilitation Centre, Ayrshire Central Hospital
- To monitor disease activity, by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), in participants in the CUPID trial (Cannabinoid Use in Progressive Inflammatory Disease)
- Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth
- Investigation into improving support to maintain people with MS in employment
- Oxford Brookes University/Vale of Aylesbury PCT
- Functional Electrical Stimulation for people with MS
- Salisbury District Hospital
Completed Projects:
- National survey of MS services - 2008
- Royal College of Physicians and the MS Trust
- Vibration therapy in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study exploring its effects on tone, strength, sensation and functional performance
- Revive Scotland/Glasgow Caledonian University School of Health and Social Care
- A pilot study to investigate the effect of Pilates classes on balance in people with MS
- Wessex MS Therapy Centre, Warminster, Wiltshire/Royal Free & University College Medical School, London
- To develop and evaluate a fatigue management programme
- Poole Hospital/Bournemouth University
- National survey of MS services - 2006 survey
- Royal College of Physicians and the MS Trust
- IV steroids in the treatment of acute relapse in MS do people with MS prefer treatment in outpatient or home setting?
- National Hospital, London
- To assess the use of cannabis based medicine extracts to treat bladder dysfunction in people with advanced MS
- National Hospital, London
- To assess the effect of cannabinoids on psychological factors in MS
- National Hospital, London
- Information needs of people with MS
- Loughborough University
- To evaluate the role of the MS nurse specialist: a review and development
- South Bank University, London
- To evaluate the performance of a new pressure sore risk indicator
- University of Nottingham
- A psychological intervention study
- The Walton Centre, Liverpool
- To estimate the extent to which the needs and preferences of people who have MS are met
- Bristol University
- To develop an effective measure of disability
- Guys' Hospital, London
- To compare a group of patients with access to an MS specialist nurse with a group which (initially) did not
- Manchester Royal Infirmary
- To compare treatment approaches to improve walking in people with MS
- Rivermead Rehabilitation Centre, Oxford
- The effectiveness of physiotherapy in treating MS
- University of Wales, Cardiff
- Health status, functional disability and quality of life in MS
- Brunel University
- Neuromuscular performance and electrical muscle stimulation in MS
- Bristol Royal Infirmary
.....and educational research
The MS Trust also encourages educational research projects related to improving services and health care for people with MS. This work may form part of an individuals study programme
