Somatosensory problems in people with multiple sclerosis and how they worsen fatigue and balance
Official title: Somatosensory impairment among people with multiple sclerosis may worsen cognitive and physical fatigue, and exacerbate balance dysfunction
Funded at Smith College · NIH-11360561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how sensing troubles in the body’s nerves, common in multiple sclerosis, may make fatigue and balance problems worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Smith College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Northampton, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $525,235 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HD122263-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11360561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with multiple sclerosis experiencing balance dysfunction and fatigue, who can participate in sensory and motor assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without MS or with mild symptoms not affecting balance or fatigue may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
People with multiple sclerosis often struggle with balance and fatigue. The study proposes that impairments in somatosensory sensing contribute to higher cognitive and physical fatigue by increasing attentional and physical demands during movement. By understanding these links, researchers aim to identify how degraded sensory feedback affects daily functioning and balance in MS. The approach includes examining sensory processing and compensatory strategies, such as relying on vision, to see how these factors influence fatigue and mobility. Results could guide new ways to support balance and energy for people living with MS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to targeted therapies or therapies that reduce fatigue and improve balance for people with MS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked somatosensory deficits to balance problems in MS, but this project emphasizes how these issues drive fatigue, which is a newer angle.
Where this research is happening
-
Smith College
Northampton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Stephanie L — Smith College
- Study coordinator: Jones, Stephanie L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating MitoQ to reduce fatigue in people with Multiple Sclerosis
This study is looking at whether MitoQ, a special antioxidant, can help reduce fatigue in people with Multiple Sclerosis, as many current treatments don’t work well and can have side effects.
-
Improving telehealth therapy for fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis
This study is testing a new online therapy program to help people with multiple sclerosis manage their fatigue, making it easier for them to get support from home.
-
Creating a new tool to measure fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis
This study is working on a new tool to help measure how tired people with multiple sclerosis feel, so that it can be used to improve treatments and support for those living with the condition.
-
Susceptibility-based MRI biomarkers for multiple sclerosis
A short-term study aims to test MRI biomarkers that could help diagnose and predict MS in patients, using advanced imaging techniques.
-
Telehealth exercise program to help rural breast cancer survivors fight fatigue
A telehealth exercise program is being tested to reduce cancer-related fatigue in rural breast cancer survivors.
-
DESCANSO: A friendly CBT plan to ease depression, sleep problems, and fatigue in Latino cancer patients
A Spanish-speaking CBT program called DESCANSO is being tested to help Latino cancer patients feel less tired, sleep better, and happier.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.