Book review: Occupational Therapy Practice and Research with Persons with Multiple Sclerosis
Edited by Marcia Finlayson, PhD, OT
Review by Jens Olesen, PT, clinical supervisor, Master of Education, Denmark

The aim of this important book is to present current knowledge about different rehabilitation approaches within the MS area from an occupational research perspective. I was impressed by the book and the editor’s openness to offer us a more transdisciplinary approach to MS research, as well as practice, in the world of MS rehabilitation. The book is essential reading for physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, psychologists, and other disciplines engaged in rehabilitation. It presents valuable tools and perspectives for everyone working in MS rehabilitation.

Seven articles discuss different systematic researchmethods and ways of collecting and interpreting data in MS rehabilitation to supplement more biomedicaloriented approaches. In this respect the book also serves to bridge different research paradigms. The topics covered include: health-related service needs of older adults with MS; the differences in the symptoms and functional limitations experienced by people with MS who are referred to occupational therapy compared to those who are not; the range of fatigue assessment tools available for clinical and research applications; the effect of wheelchair use on quality of life, and the implications of tremor on everyday activities; the development and use of lifestyle management programmes and coping processes used by women who are aging with MS. I highly recommend this book not only because it is easy to read, but also because of the research that is presented.

Publisher: Haworth Press, 2004
ISBN 0789023806, Price US$27.97

Website review: Abledata.com
Review by Ian Douglas, International Programme
Manager, MSIF, London, UK

Abledata.com is an US-based website that provides information on assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment available from domestic and international sources.

The website is easy to use, and simply set out with no irritating “pop ups” or other complications which can slow the downloading of web pages. It has four main sections. The first, “Products”, lists web links for suppliers of products in categories ranging from “Architectural Elements” to the “Workplace”. As a measure of the comprehensive nature of the site’s database, the section on “Wheeled Mobility” has eight sub-sections with, for example, 354 links under “Powered Wheelchairs” and a further 483 links in the “Manual Wheelchairs”.

In addition to the main section on products, Abledata.com has a detailed “Information Centre” which provides all the “Internet resources known to us on a selected disability issue – all on one page”. This section looks further than just products or aids, and gives links to (US-based) support and campaigning organisations, as well as a number operating at the State level. It also lists online publications and related conferences and other events.

Finally, one of the other four main sections, “Consumer Forum”, appears less well serviced than the other sections, though this does not really detract from the usefulness of the other comprehensive listings.

The site has a useful internal search engine (it would be unwieldy if it did not) and the option to register and sign up for email updates. In summary, a useful if unexciting site, primarily for those based in the US, with more limited use for those in other countries for obvious reasons.

Video/DVD review: Serenity In Action – Tai Chi
Review by Razia Mohamedali, Kenya

This is a very interesting video of about 30 minutes.

The exercises are relatively simple and easy to follow, with the exception of Section Three, where the movements are a bit difficult to follow, especially if the person doing them has the common MS problem of incoordination.

People with MS should not despair if unable to do them the first time as things will improve with regular practice. They are also not strenuous and therefore very “MS friendly”. Some of the exercises are specifically aimed at improving balance, which is quite a problem for people with MS and should be of help. The movements are demonstrated by the articipants and are also shown from the wheelchair position.

Unfortunately, specific instructions to help you arry out the exercises (such as how to breathe roperly) appear at the end of the video rather han before the exercises begin. My advice to hose planning to buy this video is: be sure to atch the entire video before beginning to erform the exercises in order to benefit fully fom them.

This video was produced by Qi Therapy Production and is priced at US$24.95 (retail).

It can also be ordered from P.J. Klein, P.T. EdD
at the following address:
Qi Concepts
c/o Bill Adams Martial Arts and Fitness Centers
3211 Transit Rd, Elma, NY 14059, USA.
kleinqpj@adelphia.net
Telephone: +1 (716) 668-5004