Helping people with MS in the UK to stay mobile

This project will be conducting research into the benefits of Pilates-based core stability training for people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This research project is being lead by Dr Jenny Freeman, a lecturer in rehabilitation and physiotherapy at the University of Plymouth, and research fellow at the Institute of Neurology. Dr Freeman has significant experience in undertaking clinical trials in the field of MS, and of supervising post graduate research projects at masters and doctoral level.

Dr Freeman is currently in the process of recruiting the people needed to make this research happen, including a research co-ordinator, treating therapists, and blind assessors. We are hoping to start this project in June.

A total of £3,500 has been raised to date from charitable trusts and foundations but a further £40,000 is urgently needed to be able to fund year one of this research project.

This project is really important because it will provide the clinical evidence needed to get core stability training included in the treatment and management of MS symptoms. This type of physiotherapy really can make a difference to someone with MS. Heather has been receiving core stability training which has improved her posture, strength and mobility -

‘I’d been finding it harder to walk, and spent more time in my wheelchair.  My posture wasn’t good and I was surprised to find that simple jobs like making a cup of tea were becoming more difficult.  Last year I spilt a cup of tea in my lap and burned myself badly.  Now I’m having regular core stability training to improve my posture and strengthen my muscles.  It’s making such a difference.’      (Heather, who has MS)                    

Links:

• Planned core stability research
• Previous research