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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:

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
National survey of MS services
Royal College of Physicians and the MS Trust
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:

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
360° audit of services for people with MS - 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