We will pilot test whether a novel form of non-invasive brain stimulation, called paired corticospinal-motoneuronal stimulation (PCMS), can boost the excitability of lower motor neurons in people with MS. We hope that an increased excitability of motor neurons makes them more responsive to weakened motor signals sent from the brain, which will strengthen muscle output.

In the current project, we will compare the effects of active PCMS with sham stimulation and will examine whether the size and duration of the effect is related to clinical and functional assessments of muscle weakness and fatiguability.

We will determine whether PCMS can be used to enhance the excitability of motor pathways in people with MS. If successful, this work will provide support for the conduct of larger trials investigating the use of PCMS to enhance muscle control and strength and reduce fatiguability.

Because PCMS is low-cost and scalable, it is a strong candidate for integration into routine neurorehabilitation, so it might be a future tool to treat motor symptoms in MS.

My research investigates the neural control of movement. I have worked with several non-invasive brain, spinal cord and nerve stimulation techniques that quantify or modulate the output of the human nervous system and muscles. I wanted to apply some of this knowledge and expertise to the MS field, where my research can hopefully have a beneficial impact on patients.

I think recent insights into the role of the immune system in MS seems particularly notable. The interplay between the nervous and immune systems is a rapidly advancing line of investigation in both health and disease, so many developments may come from this in the coming years.

I enjoy making new discoveries and learning more about how the brain and body work. In the human neuroscience field, we are often limited by the tools and techniques we use, which sometimes prevents strong mechanistic conclusions being published.

I have a goldendoodle puppy that keeps me very busy!