Research


TiMS MEETING REPORT from the 2009 MS Trust Conference

TiMS Research Project

Core stability exercises for improving balance in people with MS

A collaborative UK research project, facilitated and supported by the Therapists in MS initiative aimed at answering the research question:

Does core stability training have an effect on balance and mobility in people with MS?

Using an innovative approach to research, the TiMS project team are co-ordinating a number of physiotherapists from different UK centres to each undertake case studies using an agreed programme of core stability exercises.

  • Five Physiotherapists are participating in the study
  • All participants have received ethical approval and data collection is now almost complete
  • Different patients have so far responded differently, highlighting the value of undertaking mulptiple single case studies

Results will be disseminated in the very near future; these will then be

  • Submitted for publication to relevant professional journals.
  • Published in the MS Trust's Newsletters and similar local MS newsletters or Synapse journal.
  • A poster on the process of the project was presented at the MS Trust Annual conference in November 2009, detailing learning opportunities provided and linking to the recently produced MS Trust "Competencies" document.
  • A poster on the analysis of results will be made at next year's conference, 2010
  • It is hoped that a presentation will be made at the RIMS conference in 2010
  • Posted on the MS Trust Website and on this website
  • It is anticipated that eventually individual researchers will present their own case studies at local levels

Authorship protocols are being reviewed.......

Discussion is underway as to "next steps" based on this pilot which may include an expansion of the project or a comparative project in another discipline


Reference lists for therapists

In partnership with the MS Trust Information Team, the Therapists in MS Research working group are producing reference lists, which are intended to assist other professionals who might be:

  • Preparing talks
  • Writing papers
  • Planning their own research
  • Key References on Therapy Interventions in MS
    This list of references provides key references that demonstrate the efficacy of therapy interventions in MS management.

MS Trust Information Service

The MS Trust's team of information professionals is on hand to help with any questions you may have about MS, whether it be information that will allow people to make informed choices about their treatment and life with MS or papers to help support the development of better MS services and care.

We are happy to carry out literature searches and use our collection of medical papers, textbooks and other resources to find positive, practical, evidence based information to match the particular needs of enquirers. If we can't provide answers directly, we will do our best to direct people to other organisations better able to help.

Do you have an enquiry for the MS Trust Information Service?

Telephone: 01462 476700

email: infoteam@mstrust.org.uk