Exploring cold therapy interventions for Multiple Sclerosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the use of cold therapy interventions to mitigate Multiple Sclerosis heat sensitivity using an e-Delphi process.
IRAS ID
351077
Contact name
Hannah C Hollinger
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Highlands and Islands
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 14 days
Research summary
Heat intolerance for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can exacerbate symptoms and impact on their capacity for activities of daily living (Chacko et al., 2021). Recently published studies involving MS and cold interventions have not been conducted in ‘real life’ settings and thus have not considered lived experience, practical aspects of use or provided definitive and conclusive evidence to support health care professionals advising use of cold therapies for symptom management. Yet, in the ‘real world’, absence of other treatments for heat sensitivity means people living with Multiple Sclerosis (PLwMS) are using cooling methods for symptom management. A Phase 1 interview study was carried out to explore the lived experience of people with MS and their use of cold interventions. Phase 2 is being conducted to explore opinions on the priorities around the use of cold therapy interventions for PLwMS with the aim of gaining insight into the feasibility, acceptability and safety aspects from both a patient and professional viewpoint.
MS participants using cooling methods and professionals working in the field of MS/cold therapies will be recruited to complete three e-Delphi rounds. Each round will support developing consensus on using cold as a mechanism for the management of heat aggravation, enquiring about key feasibility factors, evaluating acceptability, assessing safety aspects and prioritising interventions. Gathering this expert opinion and achieving consensus on these factors will support the development of implementation strategies and guidance for integrating cold therapy into existing MS treatment protocols. In addition, this information will inform essential design criteria for future MS cold therapy trial and enhance transferability into everyday use.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0285
Date of REC Opinion
16 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion