Completed projects
One of the main objectives of the MS Trust is to provide funding for research that can make a difference to the lives of people who are living with MS now.
Recent research projects have focussed on improving services, improving treatments and improving support.
Most recent completed project
Information needs of people newly diagnosed with MS
Information about MS around the time of diagnosis is very important. In 2012, a research study showed that people with MS, their friends and family all valued up to date, practical, positive, evidence-based information from a trusted source.
Find out more about information needs of people newly diagnosed with MS
Improving services
- Defining the value of MS specialist nurses
This research, which took place in 2011, assessed the value of MS nursing and outlined the work needed to strengthen the case further. The report describes the MS specialist nurse workforce today, its economic value and how effectiveness can be measured using quality indicators. More
- Third national survey of MS services (2011)
The survey showed that, although some patients received excellent care from the NHS, the quality and the quantity of care provided was variable. Overall, there had been no major improvement in many aspects of service provision for people with MS since the first audit in 2006. More
- Second national survey of MS services (2008)
The survey showed that despite improvement in some aspects, overall the NHS was still failing to implement the 2003 NICE guidelines on the management of MS patients. More
- First national survey of MS services (2006)
A survey of MS health services in 2006 showed that they were frequently poor and did not comply with the NICE guidelines issued in 2003. More
- The role of MS specialist nurses (2001)
MS specialist nurses can play an important role both at the time of diagnosis and in longer term management. The study explored their developing role and contribution to MS care from a range of viewpoints. More
Occupational therapy - experiences and needs
This project assessed experiences of occupational therapy and also what people with MS wanted and needed from the service. More
Improving treatments
- Cannabis component does not slow disease progression (CUPID)
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of the active ingredients in cannabis, was tested in the CUPID clinical trial to see if it could slow the increase in disability seen in people with progressive MS. More
- Does receiving FES improve walking?
When receiving FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation), people with MS had improved walking. Undertaking the activities of daily living was improved and the number of falls was reduced. More
- Does vibration therapy help in MS?
This pilot study of whole body vibration (WBV) found small improvements following both exercise alone and exercise combined with WBV but there was no indication that the addition of WBV provided any added benefit over exercise alone. More
- IV Steroids – better given at home or as an outpatient?
IV (intravenous) steroids are used to treat relapses. This study showed that people with MS preferred to receive this treatment at home, that this was just as safe and effective and could also be cheaper. More
- Better balance and mobility after core stability training
An individual programme of core stability training helped five out of eight participants. Training sessions from a specialist were combined with a home exercise programme. More
- Abdominal massage helps constipation
Abdominal massage combined with advice on bowel management was able to reduce the symptoms of constipation. More
- Cannabis-based medicine helps with bladder problems
An extract of cannabis was tested and found helpful in controlling a wide range of bladder problems in people with advanced MS. More
- Does cannabis treatment have unwelcome psychological effects?
As cannabis-based medicines were increasingly being considered as treatments for MS, it was important to see if they had any unwelcome effects on memory, attention, mood, fatigue and pain. More
- Does physiotherapy work as a treatment for MS?
This pilot study examined whether physiotherapy helped people with chronic progressive MS who had experienced a recent deterioration in gait or ability to transfer to and from a wheelchair. More
Improving support
- Information needs of people newly diagnosed with MS
Information about MS around the time of diagnosis is very important. In 2012, a research study showed that people with MS, their friends and family all valued up to date, practical, positive, evidence-based information from a trusted source. More
- Employment and MS
This project investigated the experiences of people with MS staying in or getting back to work and also the perceptions and practice of professionals supporting them. More
- How families can cope with advancing MS
People have different needs and ways of coping if MS progresses in a family member. Understanding this allows health professionals to offer appropriate support for the whole family. More
- Information needs of people with MS
In 2002, a survey found that people with MS, family and friends, the general public and service providers all wanted information about MS. The way information was presented was important and should be positive, helpful, easy to understand and appropriate for different audiences. More
- Better management of fatigue
A programme was developed to help people with MS minimise and manage their fatigue. More