Neural and muscular mechanisms of fatigue in fibromyalgia syndrome and older age

I. Scientific excellence

Generalised chronic fatigue characterised by a lack of energy or motivation to complete physical and mental tasks is relatively common amongst older people and the 1.5 – 2 million patients in the UK with fibromyalgia syndrome. The causes of the debilitating fatigue remain unknown and this limits treatment options.

II. Clear aim and hypothesis

The aim of this project is to determine whether any sensory or neuro-muscular abnormalities are associated with chronic fatigue amongst older people and patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. The first hypothesis is that people with chronic fatigue have difficulty fully activating their muscles and this leads to more rapid onset of fatigue. The second hypothesis is that people with chronic fatigue have a heightened perception of effort for a given exercise intensity, thus explaining their report of excess fatigue during normal daily activities.

III. Methodology and innovations

The early stage researcher will join our experienced team to quantify the degree of mismatch between objective and subjective indicators of effort and study sensory and neuromuscular mechanisms responsible for the heightened perceptions of effort. The study is a cross-sectional design and will take place in the very well-equipped research lab of the Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine Research Centre. Full training will be given to assess muscle size and body composition using magnetic resonance imaging and x-ray scanning, cardiorespiratory fitness, strength and fatigability with electromyographic readings and transcutaneous electrical stimulation. Statistical analysis will compare results of chronic fatigue with healthy controls and to compare ratings of perceived exertion with objective cardiovascular and neuromuscular responses to understand whether sensory or neuromuscular abnormalities are associated with heightened fatigue.

IV. Strategic relevance

Research into human movement is a strategic priority of the university’s world-leading Musculoskeletal Science and Sports Medicine Research Centre in Manchester city centre. It is aligned with the Global Challenges and Industrial Strategy missions to promote active and healthy ageing.

V. Interdisciplinarity and fit with relevant DTA programme

This highly interdisciplinary project combined physiology, psychology and clinical sciences and fits within the Applied Bioscience for Health DTA and the Healthy Ageing theme. The researcher will be supervised by experts in physiological and biomedical sciences and guided by appropriate clinical input. There will be opportunities to conduct parts of the research at partner organisations where it benefits the researcher and the project.

Applications

Applicants must apply using the online form on the University Alliance website at https://unialliance.ac.uk/dta/cofund/how-to-apply/. Full details of the programme, eligibility details and a list of available research projects can be seen at https://unialliance.ac.uk/dta/cofund/

The final deadline for application is Monday 8 October 2018. There will be another opportunity to apply for DTA3 projects in the spring of 2019. The list of available projects is likely to change for the second intake.