Muscle weakness is common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Problems with spinal nerves that activate limb muscles have previously been identified. They fire less and cause weaker muscle contractions. Special properties of these nerve cells (persistent inward currents) help them fire and depend on the release of hormones such as serotonin and noradrenaline in the spinal cord. Â
Recent evidence suggests a problem with serotonin and noradrenaline in the nervous system of people with MS, but it is not known if the spinal motor nerve cells are also affected. Â
This project will record the electrical activity of leg muscles and decode these signals to work out the firing of spinal motor nerves during voluntary muscle contractions. The patterns of firing will help determine whether the persistent inward currents are working properly. Â
Specifically, Dr Latella will compare the firing of motor nerve cells of people with MS to people without MS, and then, investigate whether changes in the properties of the motor nerve cells influence performance of tasks like walking and standing in people living with MS. The findings are expected to help understand whether problems with serotonin and noradrenaline in the nervous system contribute to muscle weakness in MS.Â
Dr Latella and his team have made significant progress in their study exploring how spinal motor nerve activity contributes to muscle weakness and fatigue in people with MS.
In the first phase of the project, they examined how the nerves controlling lower leg muscles behave during different levels of effort. Data collection is now complete, and early results show that people with MS experience greater fatigue and reduced force output compared to people without MS. They also appear to activate opposing muscles at the same time, suggesting less efficient movement patterns that may contribute to increased physical effort.
The second phase of the study is close to completion. This phase investigates how changes in nerve behaviour relate to real-world tasks such as walking and standing from a chair, helping to connect lab findings with everyday function.
The team is using advanced high-density electromyography to analyse nerve-muscle communication in fine detail, with support from an international collaborator to strengthen the analysis.
Two scientific manuscripts are currently being prepared. The insights gained from this work may help shape future rehabilitation approaches, such as tailored exercise or medications, that target underlying nerve changes and improve physical function for people living with MS.
Last updated 31 March 2025
$25,000
2023
1 year
Current project
