Multiple Sclerosis Research

In a desperate attempt to find people to participate in our aquatic therapy study, my research group called the local newspaper to find out about advertising prices. To our surprise, they wanted to do a story on us! We were featured in last Sunday's issue of the Portsmouth Daily Times. I am typing the article here because it is not yet available online.

Students Seek People with MS for Aquatic Study

Five graduate students at Shawnee State University are looking for participants to help them complete a 12-week study of multiple sclerosis patients and aquatic exercises.

Each year, students enrolled in the Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) program at Shawnee complete a study of MS patients under the guidance of Associate Professor Ed Kehres. This year's team is Jessica Holbrook, Amanda Hill, Aaron Brooks, Brittany Wolf, and Sarah Conetsco, and their study focuses on the use of aquatic therapy.

"According to the research, fatigue is probably one of the most commonly reported symptoms with MS. Research has shown that exercise, aerobic or strength training, has shown to help reduce fatigue a little bit. So we want to see if we do it in the pool, will it make it a little easier," Brooks said.

The participants are divided into two groups - one group that participates in the aquatic exercises and a controlled group who did not participate in the exercises.

"Being in the water helps a lot because you're pretty much weightless in the water. People who can't walk on land can walk in the water. Some people with severe MS are in wheelchairs, and it's just another way to get them to move around and do more exercise," Wolf said.

The first six weeks of the study will be used to establish a baseline of each participating patient. The second six weeks will monitor physical changes in patients participating in the exercise group. The findings of this study will be submitted for publication.

In the spring, the group was awarded $5,000 from the SSU Research and Study grant to assist their project. They were given an additional $1,000 from the Student Undergraduate Research grant.

"It's like start-up money for research projects," Kehres said.

THe MOT is one of the growing number of graduate programs now offered at Shawnee State University. Brooks, Wolf, and Conetsco each came to the program from other cities across the state.

"I'm from Mansfield. I went to Ohio State to do my undergrad. So coming from a big school down here, it's really nice finally getting one-on-one attention from faculty," Wolf said.

Kehres said the program offers a unique experience for students that allows them to closely interact with their faculty and other departments.

Anyone with MS - and living within 30 miles of Portsmouth - who is interested in participating in the study should contact Ed Kehres at (740) 351-3473 before Sept. 30. Participants will be supplied with free support group meeting, free "easy on/off" bathing suit, free aqua shoes, free exercise twice a week, and the possibility for lessened fatigue and improved quality of life.