The experience of impaired sensation related to Multiple Sclerosis V.2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Lived Experience of impaired sensation in the feet related to Multiple Sclerosis
IRAS ID
196522
Contact name
Claire Cook
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Brighton
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The Multiple Sclerosis Society (2015) estimates that there are more than 100,000 people in the United Kingdom living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). A topical issue in recently published research is impaired sensation in the feet (Kalron et al. 2015; Dixon et al. 2014) which is a common symptom reported by people with MS. The symptom has also been linked with a greater risk of falling (Cameron et al. 2008; Ramdharry et al. 2006) As yet no published research has explored qualitatively the experiences of people with MS, living with impaired sensation in the feet.
English speaking adults (18+) with MS who report impairments in the sensation of their feet, for example; numbness, pins and needles or burning, will be invited to take part in the study. The participants will be recruited from a population of people living with MS in West Sussex and who are under the care of Sussex Community NHS Trust. People who consent to take part in the study will be interviewed about their experiences of impaired sensation in their feet at a location of their choice, likely to be their home. The data from the interviews will be analysed using a descriptive phenomenological research method.
The proposed study will contribute to the knowledge gap by producing information about the meaning of impaired sensation in the feet in those with MS, based on qualitative research interviews. The results of the study may have implications for meaningful practice such as increasing the awareness of the phenomenon amongst therapists, potentially improving therapeutic relationships and clinical intervention. It may also help to formulate ideas for future research.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/YH/0279
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion