Current Research Programs

Research Project 1: Outcomes Measurement

The UW MSRRTC's initial research project serves as the "measurement center" where measures are identified, analyzed, and recommended for all of the MSRRTC’s other programs. The project’s design allows us to compare levels of traits in our MS sample with levels in the general population, and with levels for other neurological diseases and conditions.

Symptoms examined through the study include pain and chronic pain, depression, fatigue, and cognitive functioning, including difficulty learning new things, problems thinking, and memory loss.

Phase 2:

Examines data on individuals living with MS over time, using growth models to evaluate whether the levels of reported pain, fatigue, depression and cognitive function increase, decrease, or remain relatively stable.

This study extends a study in progress that was initiated in 2006 through the previous MSRRTC grant in collaboration with UWCORR, and will ultimately result in five years of research data.

Phase 3:

Compares data collected through the study described above in Phase 2 in order to compare results across studies that used different measurement instruments. “Cross-walking” tables compare data collected for pain, fatigue, and depression.

Phase 4:

Compares levels of pain, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and depression in persons who have MS, both to the U.S. general population, and to persons who have neurological conditions including Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, ALS, and stroke.