scholarly journals Forearm muscle mitochondrial capacity and resting oxygen uptake: Relationship to symptomatic fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 205521732110288
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M DePauw ◽  
Mitra Rouhani ◽  
Aidan M Flanagan ◽  
Alexander V Ng

Background Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Whether mitochondrial alterations are a function of ambulatory dysfunction or are of a non-ambulatory systemic nature is unclear. Objective To compare oxidative capacity, and rest muscle oxygen consumption (mVO2) in the upper limb of persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) to a control group (CON), whereby an upper limb would be comparatively independent of ambulation or deconditioning. Methods Near infra-red spectroscopy was used to measure oxidative capacity of the wrist flexors in PwMS (n = 16) and CON (n = 13). Oxidative capacity was indicated by the time constant (TC) of mVO2 recovery following brief wrist flexion contractions. Measurements included well-being, depression, symptomatic fatigue, disability, handgrip strength, cognition, and functional endurance. Analysis was by T-tests and Pearson correlations with p ≤ 0.05. Data are mean (SD). Results TC of mVO2 recovery was slower in PwMS (MS = 47(14) sec, CON = 36(11) sec; p = 0.03). No significant correlations were found between oxidative capacity and any other measures. Rest mVO2 was not different between groups, but correlated with symptomatic fatigue (r = 0.694, p = 0.003) and strength (0.585, p = 0.017) in PwMS. Conclusion Oxidative capacity was lower in the wrist flexors of PwMS, possibly indicating a systemic component of the disease. Within PwMS, rest mVO2 was associated with symptomatic fatigue.

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 1341-1348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilse Lamers ◽  
Lore Kerkhofs ◽  
Joke Raats ◽  
Daphne Kos ◽  
Bart Van Wijmeersch ◽  
...  

Background: The real-life relevance of frequently applied clinical arm tests is not well known in multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: This study aimed to determine the relation between real-life arm performance and clinical tests in MS. Methods: Thirty wheelchair-bound MS patients and 30 healthy controls were included. Actual and perceived real-life arm performance was measured by using accelerometry and a self-reported measure (Motor Activity Log). Clinical tests on ‘body functions & structures’ (JAMAR handgrip strength, Motricity Index (MI), Fugl Meyer (FM)) and ‘activity’ level (Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Action Research Arm test) of the International Classification of Functioning were conducted. Statistical analyses were performed separately for current dominant and non-dominant arm. Results: For all outcome measures, MS patients scored with both arms significantly lower than the control group. Higher correlations between actual arm performance and clinical tests were found for the non-dominant arm (0.63–0.80). The FM (55%) was a good predictor of actual arm performance, while the MI (46%) and NHPT (55%) were good predictors of perceived arm performance. Conclusions: Real-life arm performance is decreased in wheelchair-bound MS patients and can be best predicted by measures on ‘body functions & structures’ level and fine motor control. Hand dominance influenced the magnitude of relationships.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 333-341
Author(s):  
Marco Tramontano ◽  
Giovanni Morone ◽  
Sara De Angelis ◽  
Laura Casagrande Conti ◽  
Giovanni Galeoto ◽  
...  

Background: Sensor-based technological therapy devices may be good candidates for neuromotor rehabilitation of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), especially for treating upper extremities function limitations. The sensor-based device rehabilitation is characterized by interactive therapy games with audio-visual feedback that allows training the movement of shoulders, elbows, and wrist, measuring the strength and the active range of motion of upper limb, registering data in an electronic database to quantitatively monitoring measures and therapy progress. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of sensor-based motor rehabilitation in add-on to the conventional neurorehabilitation, on increasing the upper limb functions of patients with MS. Methods: Thirty patients were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group. The training consisting of twelve sessions of upper limb training was compared with twelve sessions of upper limb sensory-motor training, without robotic support. Both rehabilitation programs were performed for 40 minutes three times a week, for 4 weeks, in addition to conventional therapy. All patients were evaluated at the baseline (T0) and after 4 weeks of training (T1). Results: The within-subject analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in both groups, in the Modified Barthel Index and in the Rivermead Mobility Index scores and a significant improvement in Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54 in the experimental. The analysis of effectiveness revealed that, compared with baseline (T0), the improvement percentage in all clinical scale scores was greater in the experimental group than the control group. Conclusions: Proposed training provides an intensive and functional-oriented rehabilitation that objectively evaluates achieved progress through exercises. Therefore, it can represent a good complementary strategy for hand rehabilitation in MS patients.


2001 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgina Sutherland ◽  
Mark B. Andersen ◽  
Mark A. Stoové

Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) are often advised not to participate in vigorous exercise. Leading a relatively sedentary life, however, may exacerbate the debilitating effects of MS. In this study, 22 people participated in either a no-special-activity group (n = 11) or an experimental group (n = 11) that involved water aerobics three times a week for 10 weeks. Measures taken included scales for health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and psychological well-being. ANCOVAs using social support and the appropriate pretest scores as covariates revealed that after the intervention, the exercise group had more energy and vigor (extremely large effect sizes). Other very large effects were found in the exercise group, which had better social and sexual functioning and less bodily pain and fatigue than the control group. Future research should involve long-term studies to determine whether exercise not only improves quality of life but also helps slow the progression of disease.


Author(s):  
Melanie E. Freedman ◽  
Brian C. Healy ◽  
Jeff C. Huffman ◽  
Tanuja Chitnis ◽  
Howard L. Weiner ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Positive psychology (PP) uses targeted activities to increase the frequency and intensity of positive feelings and may improve overall well-being in medically ill populations. In this pilot study, we examined the feasibility, acceptability and potential impact of a five-week, telephone-delivered, PP intervention for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Participants were randomized 1:1 to a five-week at-home PP intervention or waitlist control condition. Participants engaged in weekly phone calls with a study trainer and completed one PP exercise, such as recalling a past success, each week. Feasibility was determined by the number of sessions completed, and acceptability was assessed by weekly post-exercise participant ratings (0–10) of ease and utility. Efficacy was explored by examining between-group differences in changes from baseline on psychological variables, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and self-reported functional activities at five and ten weeks. Results: Thirty patients enrolled in the study. Ninety-three percent of participants (n = 28) completed all exercises. Ease scores ranged from 7.7–8.7 and utility scores ranged from 8.2–8.7. The PP intervention was associated with significantly greater increases (P < .05) in positive affect, optimism, state and trait anxiety, general health, and resilience in the intervention group compared to the control group. Approximately half of the PP participants maintained ≥ 50% of the improvement at 10 weeks. Conclusions: This five-week, telephone-based PP intervention was feasible and acceptable to individuals with MS. Larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to further investigate the utility of this intervention to improve well-being and other health outcomes in MS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-207
Author(s):  
Corina SPOREA ◽  
◽  
Dumitru FERECHIDE ◽  

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Functional Electrical Stimulation in upper limb rehabilitation in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: 90 children with spastic cerebral palsy, age between 6 and 9 years, were randomized into two groups. 45 children, represented the control group, performed conventional physical and occupational therapy and robot-assisted therapy. In addition to the control group, the experimental group received functional electrical stimulation interventions with postural control on the affected upper limb. Results: The experimental group's motor performance after treatment (improved coordination by 8.2%, wrist flexion by 9.75°, three-fingered grasp strength by 1.04°, and functional limitation lowered by 5.93) was considerably better than the control group's which coordination increased by 5.5%, wrist flexion by 8.72°, three-fingered grasp strength by 0.7 and functional limitation decreased by 2.33. Conclusions: Functional electrical stimulation intervention was found to be an effective manner to improve motor performance, in terms of coordination, range of motion, and three-fingered grasp strength, visibly reducing functional limitation and improving performance in activities of daily living.


Retos ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 302-308
Author(s):  
Ivana Leao Ribeiro ◽  
Cecilia Rivera Mañán ◽  
Fabián García Sepúlveda ◽  
Miguel Fuentealba Naranjo ◽  
Nicolás Yáñez Benavides ◽  
...  

  El presente estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la funcionalidad de miembro superior, síntomas de fatiga y nivel de actividad física en mujeres post operatorio de cáncer de mama, grupo PO, en comparación a un grupo control de mujeres sanas. La funcionalidad de la extremidad superior se evaluó mediante el rango de movimiento (ROM) de flexión, abducción y rotación externa del hombro utilizando un inclinómetro digital; fuerza de prensión con un dinamómetro y discapacidad del miembro superior con el cuestionario Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand. La fatiga se evaluó con el Inventario Breve de Fatiga y el nivel de actividad física con el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física. Treinta y cuatro mujeres (n=17, grupo PO; n=17, grupo control, GC) fueron evaluadas. El grupo PO presentó menor ROM del hombro y fuerza de prensión (diferencia de rango: 22,9°-22,9°; 5,6kgF, respectivamente) en comparación con el GC; el lado afectado presentó menor ROM del hombro en comparación con el lado no afectado (15°-21°). También hubo una mayor discapacidad en el lado afectado y un menor nivel de actividad física en el grupo PO. No hubo diferencias en la fatiga entre los grupos. Concluimos que el grupo PO presentó menor funcionalidad y un bajo nivel de actividad física en comparación con un grupo control. Abstract. This study aim to compare upper limb functionality, fatigue and physical activity level in women after breast cancer surgery in relation to a control group. Upper limb functionality was evaluated by mean of shoulder range of motion (ROM) of flexion, abduction and external rotation using a digital inclinometer; handgrip strength using a dynamometer and upper limb disability with the Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire. Fatigue was assessed with the Brief Fatigue Inventory and physical activity level with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. A thirty-four women (n=17, post-operated breast surgery group, PO; n=17, control group, CG) were recruited. PO group presented a decrease in both shoulder ROM and handgrip strength (range difference: 22.9°-22,9°; 5.6kgF, respectively) compared to CG; the affected side of the PO group presented with less shoulder ROM in comparison to the non-affected side (15°-21°). There was also greater disability on the affected side and a lower physical activity level in the PO group. There were no differences in the fatigue between the groups. We concluded that PO group presented with compromised functionality and low physical activity level compared to a control group.


2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Beckwith McGuire ◽  
Jelena Stojanovic-Radic ◽  
Lauren Strober ◽  
Nancy D. Chiaravalloti ◽  
John DeLuca

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) mostly affects young and middle-aged adults and is known to be associated with a host of factors involved in overall quality of life and well-being. The biopsychosocial model of disease takes into account the multifaceted nature of chronic illness and is commonly applied to MS. The present investigation examined the effectiveness of a 10-week psychoeducational MS wellness program that was developed on the basis of the biopsychosocial model and a wellness approach to treatment. Methods: The program consisted of 90-minute, weekly psychoeducational wellness group sessions aimed at improving quality of life by increasing awareness of the various social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual factors that can affect the overall well-being of people living with MS. Fifty-four individuals with MS participated in the study (43 individuals who completed the wellness intervention and 11 individuals with MS who did not participate; “controls”). All participants completed a series of self-report questionnaires at baseline and at the 10-week follow-up, assessing depression, anxiety, perceived stress, cognitive complaints, pain, social support, and fatigue. Results: Repeated-measures analysis revealed improvements in depression, anxiety, overall mental health, perceived stress, and pain in the treatment group compared with the control group. No significant differences were observed between the groups on measures assessing social support, cognitive complaints, and fatigue. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a psychoeducational wellness program is effective in improving the overall quality of life and well-being of individuals with MS.


2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 101-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristiano Crescentini ◽  
Alessio Matiz ◽  
Matteo Cimenti ◽  
Eric Pascoli ◽  
Roberto Eleopra ◽  
...  

Background: Varied evidence shows that mindfulness-oriented meditation improves individuals' mental health, positively influencing practitioners' personality profiles as well. A limited number of studies are beginning to show that this type of meditation may also be a helpful therapeutic option for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: We evaluated the effects of an 8-week mindfulness-oriented meditation training on the personality profiles, anxiety and depression symptoms, and mindfulness skills of a group of patients with MS. A control group of patients with MS not enrolled in any training was also tested. Results: After mindfulness-oriented meditation training, participants in this group (n = 15) showed an increase in character traits reflecting the maturity of the self at the intrapersonal (self-directedness) and interpersonal (cooperativeness) levels. Moreover, increased mindfulness and conscientiousness and decreased trait anxiety were observed in participants after the training. Conclusions: These data support the utility for patients with MS of therapeutic interventions based on mindfulness meditation that may lead to enhanced character and self-maturity.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 677-684 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anelise Ineu Figueiredo ◽  
Carla Roberta Nunes Polachini ◽  
Ana Lucia Cervi Prado

Abstract Introduction: The Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC) is a scale that evaluates the functional and cognitive aspects of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To compare the performance of individuals with the relapsing-remitting form of MS (RRMS) with a group of healthy subjects using the MSFC. Methods: Twenty subjects were investigated in this study, consisting of 10 patients with clinical diagnosis of RRMS and 10 controls with similar gender and age to the group with the disease. The three tests that comprise the MSFC were used for the evaluation of gait, upper limb motor function and cognition (memory and processing speed). Student's t-test was used to assess data with normal distribution and data with skewed distribution were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney test. Results: The results showed that the patients with RRMS took longer to perform the locomotion test (6.91 ± 2.35) compared to the control group (5.16 ± 1.28). The MS group (22.06 ± 5.44) also showed greater difficulty in performing a task with the dominant upper limb compared to the healthy subjects (17.79 ± 2.96). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in the performance of cognitive tasks (p = .65). Conclusion: The use of the MSFC tests proved valuable for measuring possible motor and cognitive impairments in patients with RRMS. Thus, it is suggested that this scale is adopted in clinical practice, improving therapies for the treatment of MS patients and thereby providing them a better quality of life.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 610-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cesare Cavalera ◽  
Marco Rovaris ◽  
Laura Mendozzi ◽  
Luigi Pugnetti ◽  
Massimo Garegnani ◽  
...  

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) has a relevant impact on quality of life (QOL) and is associated with increased risks of psychological morbidity. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are among the most studied interventions, although few well-conducted studies have tested them in this field. Furthermore, the participation in typical MBIs may be impaired by time and logistics. Objective: We aimed to test the efficacy of an online MBI to improve QOL, psychological well-being, sleep, and fatigue. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial, in which 139 participants were randomly assigned to an MS-specific online mindfulness meditation intervention or to a psychoeducational (active control) group. Participants were assessed for QOL, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and fatigue, at three different times: at recruitment, after 2 months, and after 6 months. Results: In comparison to the control group, the experimental subjects reported higher QOL and lower depression, anxiety, and sleep problems at the end of intervention. However, after 6 months these group differences were no longer significant. Conclusion: An online MBI could be an effective psychological treatment for the promotion of well-being in MS in short-term. However, the lack of lasting effects requires the development of new strategies to support long-term changes.


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