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Tacchino A, Skjerbæk AG, Podda J, Prada V, Monti Bragadin M, Bergamaschi V, Susini A, Hvid LG, Pedullà L, Brichetto G. The role of sensory systems in the association between balance and walking in people with multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 83:105440. [PMID: 38219298 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Multiple Sclerosis, it has been demonstrated that balance is related to performances in walking tasks at different levels of complexity. However, it is unknown how the different sensory systems involved in balance control contribute to walking. This observational study investigates the associations between somatosensory, vestibular, and visual systems and measures of self-reported walking and walking capacity at different complexity levels (i.e. low, medium, and high). METHODS People with MS with EDSS<6 were assessed through the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), 12-Item MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12), Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG), and Six-Spot-Step-Test (SSST). T25FW, TUG and SSST are measures of low, medium and high walking capacity, respectively. RESULTS Forty-five PwMS were enrolled (EDSS: 3.4 ± 1.3). Capacity/ability walking measures were moderate-to-highly significantly associated (p < 0.01). Balance measures from SOT showed significant correlation (p < 0.05) between vestibular system and all the walking measures; between visual system and T25FW, SSST and MSWS-12; between the degree to which the patient relies on the visual system to maintain balance with conflicting visual surroundings information (VIS PREF) and T25FW and TUG. In the multivariate analyses, only VIS PREF significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with T25FW (std. Beta=0.42) and TUG (std. Beta=0.38). CONCLUSIONS Vestibular and visual systems are associated with walking capacity. However, tasks with higher complexity levels require more visual attention towards ground obstacles, as often seen in real-life activities, whereas simpler walking tasks seem to require visual attention towards the surroundings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tacchino
- Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Scientific Research Area, Via Operai 40, Genoa 16149, Italy.
| | - Anders Guldhammer Skjerbæk
- MS Hospitals in Denmark, Ry, Denmark; Exercise Biology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jessica Podda
- Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Scientific Research Area, Via Operai 40, Genoa 16149, Italy
| | - Valeria Prada
- Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Scientific Research Area, Via Operai 40, Genoa 16149, Italy
| | - Margherita Monti Bragadin
- Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Scientific Research Area, Via Operai 40, Genoa 16149, Italy; Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society (AISM) Rehabilitation Service of Liguria, Via Operai 30, Genoa 16149, Italy
| | - Valeria Bergamaschi
- Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Scientific Research Area, Via Operai 40, Genoa 16149, Italy; Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society (AISM) Rehabilitation Service of Liguria, Via Operai 30, Genoa 16149, Italy
| | - Alessia Susini
- Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Scientific Research Area, Via Operai 40, Genoa 16149, Italy
| | - Lars G Hvid
- MS Hospitals in Denmark, Ry, Denmark; Exercise Biology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ludovico Pedullà
- Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Scientific Research Area, Via Operai 40, Genoa 16149, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Brichetto
- Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Scientific Research Area, Via Operai 40, Genoa 16149, Italy; Italian Multiple Sclerosis Society (AISM) Rehabilitation Service of Liguria, Via Operai 30, Genoa 16149, Italy
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Loyd BJ, Fangman A, Peterson DS, Gappmaier E, Thackeray A, Schubert MC, Dibble LE. Rehabilitation to Improve Gaze and Postural Stability in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2022; 36:678-688. [PMID: 36113117 PMCID: PMC10518217 DOI: 10.1177/15459683221124126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) frequently experience dizziness and imbalance that may be caused by central vestibular system dysfunction. Vestibular rehabilitation may offer an approach for improving dysfunction in these people. OBJECTIVE To test the efficacy of a gaze and postural stability (GPS) retraining intervention compared to a strength and endurance (SAE) intervention in PwMS. METHODS About 41 PwMS, with complaints of dizziness or history of falls, were randomized to either the GPS or SAE groups. Following randomization participants completed 6-weeks of 3×/week progressive training, delivered one-on-one by a provider. Following intervention, testing was performed at the primary (6-weeks) and secondary time point (10-weeks). A restricted maximum likelihood estimation mixed effects model was used to examine changes in the primary outcome of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) between the 2 groups at the primary and secondary time point. Similar models were used to explore secondary outcomes between groups at both timepoints. RESULTS Thirty-five people completed the study (17 GPS; 18 SAE). The change in the DHI at the primary time point was not statistically different between the GPS and SAE groups (mean difference = 2.33 [95% CI -9.18, 12.85]). However, both groups demonstrated significant improvement from baseline to 6-weeks (GPS -8.73; SAE -7.31). Similar results were observed for secondary outcomes and at the secondary timepoint. CONCLUSIONS In this sample of PwMS with complaints of dizziness or imbalance, 6-weeks of GPS training did not result in significantly greater improvements in dizziness handicap or balance compared to 6-weeks of SAE training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Loyd
- School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Annie Fangman
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah College of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Eduard Gappmaier
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah College of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Anne Thackeray
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah College of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Michael C. Schubert
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leland E. Dibble
- Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training, University of Utah College of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Cochrane GD, Christy J, Sandroff B, Motl R. Cognitive and Central Vestibular Functions Correlate in People With Multiple Sclerosis. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2021; 35:1030-1038. [PMID: 34560828 PMCID: PMC8595657 DOI: 10.1177/15459683211046268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background. Cognitive impairment is common, but poorly managed in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Balance has been correlated with cognition in people with MS, potentially through shared utilization of central sensory integration pathways. Objective. This study characterized the relationship between central vestibular integration and cognition in people with MS through measurement of several clinical vestibular functions requiring central sensory integration and multiple cognitive domains. Methods. Forty people with MS and 20 controls completed a battery of vestibular and cognitive examinations targeting different central vestibular integration measures and different domains of cognition, respectively. Performance on these measures was compared between people with MS and controls, and then correlational analyses were undertaken between the vestibular and cognitive measures in the MS sample. Results. People with MS performed worse than controls on all vestibular and cognitive measures. There were consistent correlations between vestibular and cognitive measures in the MS sample. Factor analysis of vestibular functions yielded a single factor hypothesized to represent central vestibular integration that demonstrated a significant relationship with a composite cognitive measure in people with MS. Discussion. Our results suggest that vestibular and cognitive dysfunction may both arise from central sensory processing pathways in people with MS. This connection could be targeted through vestibular rehabilitation techniques that improve central sensory processing and both balance and cognition in people with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham D. Cochrane
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL, USA
- NIH Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL, USA
| | - Jennifer Christy
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL, USA
| | - Brian Sandroff
- Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research, Kessler Foundation, West Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Robert Motl
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL, USA
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