Important research results focusing on finding solutions for people with MS were presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC), held on May 27 – 30 in Indianapolis, Indiana. This meeting brings together health care professionals committed to improving the lives of people with MS. Here is a sample of the research presented, including key findings on promoting wellness and reducing symptoms to restore function for people with MS. The complete book of abstracts is available here.
Testing a diet for MS: The “Therapeutic Lifestyle Change” (TLC) is a diet created by the National Institutes of Health that emphasizes reducing cholesterol and fat, and has been shown to enhance immune system function. Lacey Bromley and colleagues (State University of New York at Buffalo) are assessing the TLC diet in people living with MS, while monitoring compliance over 3 months using online tools. Preliminary results showed that participants are adhering to the diet and the online recording system, and showed trends toward improvement in quality of life, fatigue, and functional mobility. Learn what you can do now to eat healthy with MS. Abstract CC01
Pain points: Pain is one of the most troublesome symptoms for people with MS, and researchers are trying to find ways to eliminate it.
- Meditation for pain: “Mindfulness training” is a form of meditation aimed at reducing pain or emotional distress that occurs from health-related changes. Cecilia Wan (St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON) and colleagues tested whether a mindfulness-based meditation group – meeting once weekly for more than 2 hours – could reduce pain in 13 people with MS. Results showed a significant reduction in perceived pain and improvements in quality of life and mental health. Abstract QL20
- MS, something else, and pain: Kirsten M. Fiest (University of Manitoba, Winnipeg) and colleagues examined the relationship between comorbidities (conditions that occur alongside MS) and pain in 949 people with MS. Of the participants, 41.5% had at least one comorbid health condition, and 40.5% experienced disruptive pain. Pain was significantly increased in the presence of comorbidities that included fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and hypertension. Examining these associations may help to manage pain in MS. Abstract SX14
Moving fitness efforts forward: Researchers are looking for novel ways to boost exercise and physical activity, so that people with MS can reap the benefits:
- Exercise at home: Rachel E. Klaren (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) presented results from a Society-funded study in which 20 people with MS and mild disability were randomly assigned to a 12-week home cycling program or a control program involving stretching and muscle strengthening. Participants in both groups had weekly video chats with a behavioral coach. There were significantly greater improvements in cardiac function and mobility in the cycling group. Abstract RH02
- Exercise — Phoning it in: Aaron P. Turner (University of Washington, Seattle) and colleagues compared the impact of a home exercise program that employed six telephone motivational sessions to a control program that consisted of exercise advice and a DVD. Participants receiving telephone counseling reported significantly increased physical activity, and reduced fatigue and depression compared to those in the control group. Abstract CP19
- Breathing better: Weakness and fatigue in respiratory muscles (that facilitate breathing) can lead to reduced exercise performance. Nadine M. Fisher (University at Buffalo) and team studied the effects of a six-week respiratory muscle training program in 29 people with MS and mild-to-moderate disability. The program improved respiratory muscle strength, exercise endurance, and participants’ perceptions of fatigue. Abstract RH06
- Shall we dance?: Alexander V. Ng (Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI) and colleagues are investigating whether an 8-week recreational ballroom dance program could improve physical function and quality of life in people with MS. One-hour sessions, twice a week, include rumba, foxtrot, waltz, swing, American tango, push-pull, and salsa. Participants are paired with a partner without MS. Preliminary results in 12 people indicated improved motor performance, gait, endurance, and cognition. Abstract QL13
Continue Reading direct from this National Multiple Sclerosis Society Research Report
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