The AMBER study is a randomised controlled clinical trial looking at the use of abdominal massage to treat neurogenic bowel disorder in MS patients. Recruitment for this study ended on the 19th of July 2016, with a total of 191 patients. Patients enrolled on the trial were randomised to one of two arms: ‘control,’ receiving advice on diet, fluid intake and positioning of oneself on the toilet; ‘intervention,’ receiving training in administering the abdominal massage (either self-massage or by a carer) coupled with bowel care advice. Trial participants were recruited from 12 sites throughout the United Kingdom, one of which was the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
Patient follow-up will continue until the end of 2016. Analyses of results are ongoing and should be completed by autumn 2017. Interested persons may receive updates at www.gcu.ac.uk/amber or by contacting the Chief Investigator (Doreen.McClur@gcu.ac.uk/0141 331 8105).
“It is funded by the National Institute for Health Research, Health Technology Assessment Programme (Project: 12/127/12) and sponsored by Glasgow Caledonian University. The day-to-day running of the trial is managed by a team within the NMAHP Unit, Department of Health and Life Sciences.”