Wheelchairs & MS cause controversy

I came across this study about wheelchairs and MS.  Anyone have an opinion on this?

WATCH OUT DANGEROUS! - Controversial wheelchair study done in Italy

A doctor in Italy has released the results of a study which claims that wheelchair use by MS patients who are unable to walk due to their condition show improved mobility and an improved quality of life.

This study has garnered great interest within the MS community in North America and around the world. In response to this interest the National MS Society has issued a statement warning people who are suffering with MS not use wheelchairs at this time. The MS Society states that there is no scientific proof that the use of wheelchairs will ultimately improve mobility and lead to an improved quality of life. A spokesman for the MS Society, Dr. Nero Oligist, says that there is no connection between wheelchair usage and improved mobility. He points out that the Italian research only looked at 65 patients and while all 65 showed significantly improved mobility after obtaining a wheelchair, the research lacks credibility as it was not done by him.

The MS Society has been under significant pressure from the MS community to look into this research. In response the Society has decided to use $2.7 million of money raised by people suffering from MS and their families to fund research into the relationship between wheelchairs and MS.

Early results from this research shows that while many MS suffers use wheelchairs, some people with other medical conditions also use wheelchairs as do a portion of the general population. This seems to cast doubt on the Italian research. In addition, there has been a case in the US where a person in a wheelchair was hit by a car and killed. This indicates the serious risk associated with wheelchair use.

The MS Society continues to use donated funds to lobby governments and the medical community against the use of wheelchairs. They have recently written a letter to the government urging them to not allow MS patients access to wheelchairs. The letter states, “Until more scientific proof is available we feel it is in the best interest of people suffering with MS that the government not fund any studies that may provide scientific proof of the effectiveness of wheelchairs.” The letter goes on to state that while wheelchairs continue to be available to people suffering from other ailments, those with MS must not be allowed to use them because the MS Society is really, really smart and should not be questioned.