Research impact: Minimising neuromuscular impairment

Research summary

Dr Chris Morse established the first research presence at the NeuroMuscular Centre (NMC) - the largest dystrophy treatment centre in Europe - in 2012.

The collaboration allows for novel and leading research, particularly in adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who fall outside of regular paediatric care and into re-active general practice-centred treatment. 

The research team work closely with the clinical physiotherapy specialists at the NMC, including co-authorship and mentorship of the physiotherapists, with one completed MSc by research.

Dr Morse’s team published some of the first data in adults with muscular dystrophy on muscle size, bone health and the impact of physical activity. They focus on the preventative support regular physiotherapy provides which may help reduce the number of reactive treatments and hospital admissions for people with muscular dystrophy.

Research impact

The NMC has integrated innovative assessments based on our collaborative research and implemented exercise programmes for adults with muscular dystrophy.

This approach overcomes years of inertia against undertaking physical activity as a treatment for adults with muscular dystrophy.

Research outputs

Academic papers

• Morse, CI, Higham, K, Bostock, EL and Jacques, MF (2020) Urinary incontinence in men with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. Plos one, 15(5), p.e0233527

• Bostock, EL, O’Dowd, DN, Payton, CJ, Smith, D, Orme, P, Edwards, BT and Morse, CI (2019) The effects of resistance exercise training on strength and functional tasks in adults with Limb-Girdle, Becker and Facioscapulohumeral dystrophies. Frontiers in neurology, 10, p.1216

• Jacques, MF, Stockley, RC, Onambele-Pearson, GL, Reeves, ND, Stebbings, GK, Dawson, EA, Groves, L and Morse, CI (2019) Quality of life in adults with muscular dystrophy. Health and quality of life outcomes, 17(1), p.121
• Jacques, MF, Onambele‐Pearson, GL, Reeves, ND, Stebbings, GK, Smith, J and Morse, CI (2018) Relationships between muscle size, strength, and physical activity in adults with muscular dystrophy Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 9(6), 1042-1052
• Bostock, EL, Edwards, BT, Jacques, MF, Pogson, JT, Reeves, ND, Onambele-Pearson, GL and Morse, CI (2018) Impaired glucose tolerance in adults with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. Nutrients, 10(12), 1947
• Jacques, MF, Stockley, RC, Bostock, EI, Smith, J, DeGoede, CG and Morse, CI (2019) Frequency of reported pain in adult males with muscular dystrophy. PloS one, 14(2)