Research at the NMC

An article entitled “Gastrocnemius medialis muscle architecture and physiological cross sectional area in adult males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy” (published in the Journal for Musculoskeletal and Neuronal Interactions) is the first publication of the collaboration between Manchester Metropolitan University’s (MMU) Institute of Performance Research and NMC. It is based upon data collected in the summer of 2014 and is the first investigation of muscle size in adults with Duchenne MD that has been published to date. It demonstrated that the DMD participants had significantly smaller muscle cross-sectional area compared with unaffected adults. 

This data is unique – it has not been previously published in an adult population. Much of the current literature describing populations of people with MD has been undertaken in paediatric individuals and there is a lack of quality research into the effects of physiotherapy in particular. NMC is uniquely placed to contribute to this field of research. 

NMC provides on-going physiotherapy to over 200 people, with many more attending for specialist assessment. Presently, this therapy is largely guided by client feedback and collaborative goal-setting, in addition to decades of experience, rather than hard evidence. Health professionals in other settings do not have access to the same level of expertise; they need data highlighting best practice.

Already there is further work being planned and undertaken at NMC. Publication of another article describing bone mineral density and physical activity in MD individuals is due hopefully in the next few months. A fulltime PhD student from MMU – Matt Jacques - is due to complete data collection for a study describing resting calorie use in MD individuals by the end of the year. Matt will also be collecting data for his PhD project studying the immediate effects of physiotherapy in MD individuals.

In addition to this, Michael Andrews – a Master’s student at Chester University – has completed data collection for his study into exercise in Duchenne MD.  The most critical component in the success of this publication is the NMC’s service users and their support network – to everyone who has participated in the recent projects I would like to extend heartfelt thanks. There is presently a real opportunity for NMC to be part of the production of significant pieces of research in an area demanding investigation and that is cause for tremendous excitement. Direct link: http://www.ismni. org/jmni/pdf/60/05MORSE.pdf