Dr Susan Coote was given the 2012 UL Excellence in Research (Early Career) Award for her research work. The honour was presented to the Lecturer in Physiotherapy in recognition of the publications, practice impact, prestige and postgraduate training arising from her research in the last few years.
Most of that research has been in collaboration with MS Ireland through the Getting the Balance Right programme, which was carried out in 2007 and 2008. As a result of Getting the Balance Right she cofounded the Physiotherapists Interested in MS (PIMS)
group, which means the findings can be directly implemented in practice.
Getting the Balance Right has also changed how MS Ireland delivers physiotherapy services, showing the impact it has had on practice. Dr Coote now sits on the Board of MS Ireland, further playing a role in the delivery of services to people with MS.
“I would like to sincerely thank the staff and members of MS Ireland, without whom my research would not be possible,” she said.
UL gives out the Excellence in Research (Early Career) award each year, recognising the winner as a university research fellow and providing them with funding to contribute towards their research.
Dr Coote’s research is already underway and she examines whole body vibration and its effects of MS; how people can be helped to change their exercise habits through tools such as pedometers; as well as a new project that looks at falls in people with MS.
“I look forward to working with MS Ireland in the future as we continue to investigate how exercise and physiotherapy treatments can be used to optimally reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for people living with MS,” said Dr Coote.
MS Ireland congratulates Dr Coote and equally looks forward to building on the partnership.
Read more about the partnership between MS Ireland and the university of Limerick.