Research We Fund

People living with MS are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges than the general population. These challenges can be influenced by factors such as:

• Living with an unpredictable condition
• Social isolation
• Experiences of stigma
• Concerns about the future

Findings from the My MS My Needs survey highlight that access to psychological and emotional support is one of the most significant unmet needs for people with MS in Ireland. PROMISE aims to better understand these needs and improve access to appropriate supports.

Project aims

The project seeks to identify the most effective ways for MS Ireland to deliver mental health support to people with MS.

Key objectives include:

• Reviewing the most effective mental health supports for people with MS
• Mapping current mental health services available in Ireland
• Identifying mental health needs, challenges, and access barriers
• Developing recommendations for future service provision
• Sharing findings with the MS community and stakeholders

How the research will be carried out

The project will run over two years and is guided by Public and Patient Involvement (PPI).

Work Package 1 – Rapid Review
A review of existing research to identify effective mental health supports.

Work Package 2 – Support Mapping and Survey
Exploring current services, needs, and barriers through mixed-methods research.

Work Package 3 – Delphi Study
Building expert consensus on mental health needs and effective supports.

Work Package 4 – Knowledge Translation
Ongoing sharing of findings with stakeholders and the MS community.

Expected impact

The PROMISE project will strengthen the evidence base for mental health supports for people with MS.

It will:

• Provide new insights into mental health needs and service gaps
• Identify barriers and facilitators to accessing care
• Develop evidence-based recommendations
• Inform MS Ireland’s advocacy and service development
• Support policymakers and healthcare providers

Research team

Principal Investigator

• Dr Rebecca Maguire – Maynooth University

Postdoctoral Researcher

• Dr Christina Kini-Seery – Maynooth University

Academic collaborators

• Dr Fiadhnait O'Keeffe – University College Cork
• Dr Laura Coffey – Maynooth University
• Professor Deirdre Desmond – Maynooth University
• Dr Austin Fahy – Royal College of Surgeons Ireland
• Professor Philip Hyland – Maynooth University
• Dr Joanna McHugh Power – Maynooth University

Clinical collaborators

• Dr Sarah Casey – St Vincent’s University Hospital
• Dr Hugh Kearney – St James's Hospital; Trinity College Dublin

MS Ireland partners

• Mary McCusker
• Professor Susan Coote
• Alison Cotter

Lived experience contributors
PPI contributors play a central role in shaping the research throughout the project.

Project details

• Project name: PROMISE
• Lead institution: Maynooth University
• Principal Investigator: Dr Rebecca Maguire
• Partners: MS Ireland
• Duration: 2 years
• Funding: Health Research Board (HRB) Applied Partnership Award

Funding

This project is funded by the Health Research Board (HRB) under the Applied Partnership Award (APA) scheme, with co-funding from Multiple Sclerosis Ireland (Grant ID: APA-2024-018).

Exercise is recognised as an important part of managing multiple sclerosis. Research has shown that regular physical activity and/or exercise can improve symptoms of MS, including physical function and mental health.

However, many people with MS face barriers that make regular exercise difficult, including:

• Fatigue and mobility difficulties
• Limited access to specialist rehabilitation services
• Transportation challenges
• Living in rural areas
• Cost and time associated with attending rehabilitation centres

Online physiotherapy offers an opportunity to overcome many of these barriers by allowing people to complete guided exercise programmes in their own homes.

Project aims

The PLATINUMS project aims to develop and evaluate a home-based online exercise programme supported by artificial intelligence technology (WizeCare).

The research will explore:

• Is WizeCare usable and feasible for people with MS?
• Is it feasible to deliver individualised physiotherapy programmes at home, and does it improve strength, balance and walking outcomes compared to standard paper-based programmes?
• Can strength, balance and mobility tests be completed remotely at home in a valid and reliable way?
• Is the WizeCare system cost-effective for people with MS?

How the research will be carried out

The project will involve a multicentre randomised controlled trial across several European MS centres.

Participants will take part in a structured home-based exercise programme delivered through WizeCare. The system uses artificial intelligence to:

• Monitor exercise performance
• Provide feedback to help ensure exercises are performed correctly

Researchers will assess how the programme affects strength, balance and walking.

In addition to the clinical trial, the project will also include interviews with patients, clinicians and stakeholders to understand how useful the WizeCare system is for people with MS and how it can be used in real-world settings.

Expected impact

The PLATINUMS project will provide important evidence about how digital health technologies can support people living with MS.

The research could lead to:

• Improved access to rehabilitation services
• More flexible home-based exercise options
• Greater independence and participation in physical activity
• Better long-term health outcomes for people with MS

The findings may also inform rehabilitation approaches for people living with MS and other neurological conditions.

Project partners

The PLATINUMS project is an international collaboration involving research and clinical partners across Europe and Israel.

• Tel-Aviv University – Israel
• University of Limerick – Ireland
• Danish Multiple Sclerosis Hospitals – Denmark
• University of Cagliari – Italy