SUMS: Standing Up in Multiple Sclerosis. Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A multi-centre randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a home-based self-management standing frame programme plus usual care versus usual care in people with progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) who have severely impaired balance and mobility.
IRAS ID
163803
Contact name
Jennifer Freeman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
Standing upright is highly valued by most individuals, both psychologically (e.g. enabling ‘eye to eye’ interaction) and physiologically (e.g. maintaining muscle strength). Standing frames are commonly used by people with spinal cord injury (SCI) who are unable to stand unaided. These frames provide support to enable even severely disabled patients to stand safely.Regular use has been shown to minimise the physical complications arising from prolonged immobility and increase feelings of well-being.
Like those with SCI, many people with severe Multiple Sclerosis (MS)cannot stand independently, often developing disabling complications as a result of immobility. Two pilot studies have demonstrated that such people can obtain similar benefits to those with SCI by using a standing frame. However, in many areas frames are not issued due to limited scientific evidence. This study will provide robust evidence about their efficacy.
Many people with MS develop severe walking problems and consequently spend much of their day sitting down. The associated secondary problems (e.g. pressure sores, contractures, muscle wasting) impact on quality of life and result in increased healthcare needs. These problems can be minimised if physical activity is increased. However, without easy access to a frame people must travel to a rehabilitation/MS centre to stand, often incurring expensive travel costs. Using a standing frame at home may offer a solution which reduces the economic and social costs for the patient and NHS.
Our study involves 140 severely physically impaired people with MS. Participants will be randomly allocated to either a home-based, self-management standing programme (with advice and support) along with their usual care or to usual care alone. Participants will be asked to stand 3 times weekly over 20 weeks. A range of outcomes, including motor function and balance, will be measured at intervals throughout the study and compared between the two groups.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/SW/0088
Date of REC Opinion
13 May 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion