Past research

MS Research supports research aimed at advancing treatments and care for the benefit of the MS community. We fund robust scientific research across a range of laboratory, clinical and medical settings. This is a selection of the projects we have supported over the years.

THE ROOTS OF MS FATIGUE

This functional MRI (fMRI) study carried out at the Clinical Research Imaging Centre at University of Bristol demonstrated a relationship between the basal ganglia in the brain and subjective and objective measures of fatigue.

The results indicated that reduced functional connectivity within the basal ganglia plays a role in cognitive fatigue. This adds valuable insights and could lead to a greater understanding of MS-related fatigue, which affects around 90% of people living with MS. The work has led to further studies on the evaluation of better treatment strategies for neuromuscular fatigue, mobility and balance.

Published in Frontiers in Neuroscience, Dysfunction of basal ganglia functional connectivity associated with subjective and cognitive fatigue in multiple sclerosis was co-authored by MS Research PhD grant beneficiary Christelle Langley. Christelle was supported by Dr Jade Thai, Neuroscientist and Senior Research Fellow at University of Bristol’s School of Clinical Sciences, now Senior Research Lead for Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

MS-related Tremor

While MS tremor does not affect everyone with MS, it is a very complex movement disorder affecting accurate movement and can make simple tasks and everyday life very difficult. MS Research participated in a major EU-funded MS tremor programme in collaboration with Bristol University and a movement disorders specialist team at Southmead Hospital, Bristol.

The study, Assessing and Suppressing Tremor to Enable Independence: Development of a Clinical Workstation, aimed to find a fully successful treatment for this problematic symptom using Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to measure movements in participants affected by tremor. DBS has been used successfully in Parkinson's disease and other causes of tremor, although but historically results with MS have been variable. The research since shifted to using movement sensors similar to those used in CGI, to better understand the nature of tremor and design improved treatments.

Core Stability in Wheelchair Users

A project to help positioning in wheelchair users with trunk instability explored ways of preventing the many unwanted consequences of being a regular wheelchair user. In 2018, five Design Engineering MA students from Bristol University, explored the use of new measurement systems for assessing the needs of wheelchair users. Alongside they evaluated new materials and, with staff from University of the West of England, used 3D printing techniques to aid design and test support systems that help wheelchair users move from wheelchair to normal seating. This study was also supported by staff at Bristol Enablement Centre, who provide disability services in the South West for wheelchair users with MS. All students were awarded their Masters degrees.