MS Trust supported research projects
With your help we could increase funding for research and do so much more – thank you for your support!
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.
These are some examples of the results of our research:
- The effectiveness of physiotherapy in MS, showing that after treatment, patients also felt a reduction in the distress associated with mobility problems
- The value of MS specialist nurses, leading to support for a national programme for the development of more specialist posts. The numbers have now grown to around 200 and we continue to campaign for more.
- The value of fatigue management programmes – over 60% of people with MS experience severe fatigue on a daily basis. Another charity has now funded a much larger multi-centre trial for the researcher, following on from this pilot study.
- The value of functional electrical stimulation (FES) to improve walking for people with MS. The FES device has now been approved for use by NICE.
- Our audits of MS services with the Royal College of Physicians have demonstrated shortcomings in MS services and provide evidence to challenge those who have the ability to make the improvements needed.
Here are some of the research projects that have received MS Trust grants – past and present
- Feasibility of abdominal massage for the alleviation of the symptoms of constipation in people with multiple sclerosis (Belfast City Hospital) Read...
- Advanced multiple sclerosis and family relationship processes (Institute of Neuropalliative Rehabilitation, Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability) Read...
- Reproducibility of a fatigue management programme (University Hospital, Birmingham) Read...
- A qualitative study of what people with multiple sclerosis want from an occupational therapy service (Douglas Grant Rehabilitation Centre, Ayrshire Central Hospital) Read...
- 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) Read...
- Investigation into improving support to maintain people with MS in employment (Oxford Brookes University/Vale of Aylesbury PCT) Read...
- Functional Electrical Stimulation for people with MS (Salisbury District Hospital) Read...
Click here to view other completed projects.