Motor unit behaviour in human movement disorders & spinal cord injury
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Motor unit behaviour in human movement disorders and spinal cord injury
IRAS ID
330409
Contact name
Dario Farina
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 8 months, 0 days
Research summary
This research focuses on understanding how our muscles work and how they are controlled by our nervous system. Our muscles are made up of tiny units called motor units, which consist of motor neurons from our spinal cord and the muscle fibres they control. These motor units are responsible for making our muscles contract and allowing us to move.
Traditionally, scientists used invasive methods to study motor units by inserting needles into muscles. However, recent advancements in technology have introduced a non-invasive method called high-density electromyography (HD-EMG). This technique uses special sensors placed on the skin's surface to record electrical signals from multiple motor units simultaneously, providing a clearer picture of how our muscles function.
With sophisticated signal processing methods, researchers can now analyse individual motor unit signals obtained through HD-EMG. This helps them understand how motor neurons in the spinal cord control our muscles without the need for invasive procedures.
By studying motor unit behaviour, researchers gain insights into how our bodies control movements. This knowledge has broad applications, including helping people with movement disorders and spinal cord injuries. Movement disorders like Parkinson's disease and dystonia can greatly affect a person's quality of life, and understanding motor unit patterns could aid in diagnosis and treatment. For spinal cord injury patients, it can help diagnose and monitor the condition, potentially leading to more effective therapies.
In summary, this research uses advanced technology to study how our muscles function and how they are controlled by our nervous system. By analysing motor unit behaviour, it aims to improve the lives of individuals with movement disorders and spinal cord injuries by providing valuable insights and guiding better treatments. The research hypothesises that different muscle disorders will have distinct motor unit patterns, and by understanding these patterns, more targeted therapies can be developed.
REC name
South West - Frenchay Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SW/0140
Date of REC Opinion
21 Dec 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion