Does cannabis use improve motor function in multiple sclerosis patients?

Backed by Jacob Peets and Dave Rich
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
MedicineNeuroscience
Open Access
$35
Raised of $5,000 Goal
1%
Ended on 9/25/16
Campaign Ended
  • $35
    pledged
  • 1%
    funded
  • Finished
    on 9/25/16

About This Project

Improved therapies are needed for symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis such as fatigue, spasticity, and walking impairments. In most cases, currently available disease modifying and symptomatic therapies do not sufficiently relieve these symptoms. Almost 50% of patients with MS are using successful cannabis based on anecdotal reports. However, strong scientific evidence for the effectiveness of cannabis is needed. Here in Colorado, we are able to conduct cannabis research studies in MS.

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What is the context of this research?

Improved therapies are needed for the distressing symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS symptoms include fatigue, spasticity, and walking impairments. Currently available disease modifying and symptomatic therapies do not sufficiently relieve these symptoms. Many people with MS successfully use cannabis for symptom treatment. There is evidence, based on the National Institute of Health, that cannabis reduces spasticity and pain. However, more scientific research for the effectiveness of cannabis is required. Our study could not be carried out in a state where marijuana is not legal, so not only does Colorado make for the ideal location for research purposes in that sense, but Colorado also has one of the highest rates of people living with the disease in the entire nation.



What is the significance of this project?

This first study will investigate the effects of cannabis on motor function in patients with MS. The Positron Emission Tomography can serve as a unique tool to examine the Central Nervous System-muscle interaction at a whole body level.

Improving our knowledge of the influence of cannabis on motor function in patients with MS may help clinicians and patients make an informed decision on whether to recommend or use cannabis for symptom management in MS.

What are the goals of the project?

To accomplish our objective we will start by recruiting at least 5 people with MS, who currently use cannabis. They will be compared to people who are cannabis naïve. We will compare their results from a battery of motor tasks (walking tests, fatigue task, strength tests, postural control tests). We will also use Positron Emission Tomography (PET) / Computed Tomography (CT) to examine how the central nervous system and skeletal muscle activity in patients is affected during fatiguing motor tasks with chronic cannabis use. We expect that cannabis users will have improved motor function, more efficient muscle activation strategies during a fatigue task linked to CNS activity, and a higher quality of life. The project will be the foundation for larger, future studies.

Budget

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Imaging costs are for PET/CT scans to investigate activity of brain and muscles of the Multiple Sclerosis patients who are already using medical cannabis to Multiple Sclerosis patients who are cannabis naïve, or not using medical cannabis.

The initial budget of $5,000 allows for us to scan 5 patients. If we raise more funding we will be able to add more patients to the study.

Endorsed by

When I first met Dr. Rudroff, we instantly hit it off due to our similar philosophies regarding the potential benefits of cannabis and medical marijuana for those living with MS. If anybody can move this needed field of study forward, it is undoubtably Dr. Rudroff.

Meet the Team

Thorsten Rudroff
Thorsten Rudroff
Assistant Professor

Affiliates

Colorado State University
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Team Bio

My research lab works on neurophysiology of muscle fatigue, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Techniques. More specifically, my current research projects include neurophysiology of fatigue in patients with Multiple Sclerosis and in healthy young and old adults, contributors to physical inactivity in patients with MS, and non-invasive imaging of glucose uptake, blood flow, and oxygen consumption in skeletal muscle.

Thorsten Rudroff

I am an Assistant Professor and Director of the Integrative
Neurophysiology Laboratory in the Department of Health and Exercise Science at Colorado State University (CSU).

I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports and Exercise Science and Master’s Degrees in Sports and Exercise Science and Physical Therapy from the German Sports University. I received my Ph.D. with summa cum laude, in Exercise Physiology and Neurophysiology from the University of Constance, Germany.

I moved to Colorado in 2003 and started my scientific research on muscle fatigue in young and old healthy people. After working on this topic for some years and becoming an expert in fatigue I was approached by neurologists and the Multiple Sclerosis community to support the research on fatigue and walking impairments in MS which are main symptoms of this disease. My work is exciting and I am convinced that the research findings coming from my lab will have a strong impact on the quality of life of patients with MS.

Lab Notes

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Project Backers

  • 2Backers
  • 1%Funded
  • $35Total Donations
  • $17.50Average Donation
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