SCIENTISTS have been granted funding to evaluate the the benefits of an innovative physiotherapy technique for treating multiple sclerosis sufferers.

The grant of almost £120,000 for the four year post-doctoral programme is believed to be the first of its kind awarded to a modern Scottish university by for a study into MS.

The study, funded by the Medical Research Council, will be conducted at Edinburgh Napier University from September this year.

It will assess the benefits of a form of physiotherapy currently only available at the Point One Clinic in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The treatment that involves the gentle mobilisation of the spine, with anecdotal feedback indicating that after undergoing as few as eight 35-minute sessions many patients enjoy improved mobility, reduced pain and enhanced feelings of positive wellbeing.

There are around 10,000 MS sufferers in Scotland, the highest rate by population in the UK.

Chongsu Lee, a director of Point One Clinic and a chartered physiotherapist, said: "There is a very long way to go, but it is hugely significant that Scotland's medical, scientific and academic community is increasingly receptive to the form of MS therapy that we already offer to help improve the physical and mental wellbeing of people in Scotland with multiple sclerosis."