A YORK care centre is one of only four in England to be given funding to develop a new physiotherapy service for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Woodlands Respite Care Centre has been awarded funding by the MS Society and MS Relief to develop a model of physiotherapy for people with the condition who suffer fatigue as one of their major symptoms.

Volunteers are now being sought by the centre to take part in the project.

There is evidence to suggest that aerobic exercise can improve some aspects of a person's quality of life. Exercise can also help to reduce feelings of depression, boost energy levels and increase self-confidence.

Individuals with MS will be assessed by a qualified physiotherapist, and will participate in a six-week group exercise programme tailored to their individual needs. The programme will help people understand the symptoms and causes of their fatigue and try to strike a balance between activity and rest. Assessments will take place at Woodlands Respite Care Centre and group exercises will take place at the Next Generation Health Club, both located on Hull Road in York. The first exercise group will start at the beginning of August and the project will run until June 2004.

The service development will be evaluated by the University of Northumbria and the information gained will be used to both help develop physiotherapy services locally and highlight areas requiring further research. Volunteers are required for this project. Anyone affected by multiple sclerosis who can still walk reasonably unaided for 100 metres, has fatigue as a major symptom and is currently not receiving any other rehabilitation is eligible to participate.

For more details and to receive an information pack please phone Anna Newell at Woodlands Respite Care Centre 01904 430600.

Updated: 08:39 Monday, July 14, 2003