Understanding ‘motor impairment’

Not for profit research institute, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), has secured significant funding to expand research into motor impairment, a problem that arises from many diseases and ageing.

Everything the human body does requires movement, but our muscles – and our brain and nerves that control them – are often the first tissues attacked by a long list of disorders that includes stroke, spinal cord and brain injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, musculoskeletal injury and cerebral palsy.

Research into motor impairments is now a national priority, and Professor Simon Gandevia, who is an expert in the brain’s control of human movement at NeuRA, will spearhead the nearly $7 million multidisciplinary program of study funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.

“Motor impairment encompasses muscle weakness and paralysis, reduced movement at our joints, diminished sensation across the body and a loss of balance.

“Motor impairments can arise because of many different diseases, making it a major cause of disability world-wide,” Professor Gandevia said.

“We know about some forms of impairment, but nothing about others. This is an under researched area of medicine and this grant will allow us to fill gaps in our knowledge and develop and trial new treatments,” he added.

Motor impairments affect a number of Australians, and as the country’s population ages, incidence is predicted to grow. For instance, one in three elderly people fall each year, often because of problems with mobility and their balance and sensory systems.

Another leading cause of motor impairment is stroke. About four million Australians will suffer a stroke in their lifetime and half will go on to develop disabling muscle stiffening and problems in their affected arm or leg.

Professor Gandevia and his team will focus on both scientific and clinical outcomes. They will begin by studying everyday functions that people take for granted, such as standing, balancing and using our hands.

“We will study these abilities in people suffering different diseases and develop therapies to help restore function and improve quality of life,” he added.

Read more about the researchers involved in this study by visiting the NeuRA website.