Metabolism and Nutrition in MND

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition that can affect movement, speech, swallowing and breathing. Weight loss and malnutrition are common in people with MND and may be caused by factors including swallowing difficulties, reduced food intake, fatigue, breathlessness, loss of muscle mass and changes in the amount of energy the body uses at rest. Resting energy expenditure can be measured using indirect calorimetry. However, there is limited evidence about whether comprehensive metabolic, nutritional and body composition assessments can be completed acceptably and practically by people with MND during routine clinical appointments. MET-MND is a single-centre observational feasibility study involving approximately 12-15 adults with MND referred to a specialist respiratory service. Participants will complete one study visit aligned with a routine clinic appointment, followed by a 7-day food diary at home. The study will evaluate the acceptability, tolerability, practicality, completion and data completeness of metabolic, nutritional and body composition assessments. Findings will be used to refine study procedures and inform the design of future research investigating metabolism and nutrition in people with MND.