Benefits of short-term training with vibrotactile biofeedback of trunk sway on balance control in multiple sclerosis

Abstract Objective The mini-BESTest is a balance measure for assessment of the underlying physiological systems for balance control in adults. Evaluations of test–retest reliability of the mini-BESTest in larger samples of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) are lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate test–retest reliability of the mini-BESTest total and section sum scores and individual items in people with mild to moderate overall MS disability. Methods This study used a test–retest design in a movement laboratory setting. Fifty-four people with mild to moderate overall MS disability according to the Expanded Disability Status scale (EDSS) were included, with 28 in the mild subgroup (EDSS 2.0–3.5) and 26 in the moderate subgroup (EDSS 4.0–5.5). Test–retest reliability of the mini-BESTest was evaluated by repeated measurements taken 1 week apart. Reliability and measurement error were analyzed. Results Test–retest reliability for the total scores were considered good to excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficients of .88 for the whole sample, .83 for the mild MS subgroup, and .80 for the moderate MS subgroup. Measurement errors were small, with standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change of 1.3 and 3.5, respectively, in mild MS, and 1.7 and 4.7, respectively, in moderate MS. The limits of agreement were − 3.4 and 4.6. Test–retest reliability for the section scores were fair to good or excellent; weighted kappa values ranged from .62 to .83. All items but 1 showed fair to good or excellent test–retest reliability, and percentage agreement ranged from 61% to 100%. Conclusions The mini-BESTest demonstrated good to excellent test–retest reliability and small measurement errors and is recommended for use in people with mild to moderate MS. Impact Knowledge of limits of agreement and minimal detectable change contribute to interpretability of the mini-BESTest total score. The findings of this study enhance the clinical usefulness of the test for evaluation of balance control and for designing individually customized balance training with high precision and accuracy in people with MS.

Download Full-text

Short-term and long-term safety and tolerability of interferon β-1b in multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders ◽

10.1016/j.msard.2013.11.005 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 294-302 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Anthony T. Reder ◽

Joel F. Oger ◽

Ludwig Kappos ◽

Paul O’Connor ◽

Mark Rametta

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Interferon Β ◽

Short Term

Download Full-text

Cervical cord magnetization transfer ratio and clinical changes over 18 months in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a preliminary study

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1177/1352458506070714 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 662-665 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

A Charil ◽

D Caputo ◽

R Cavarretta ◽

M P Sormani ◽

P Ferrante ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Relapse Rate ◽

Magnetization Transfer ◽

Small Sample ◽

Cervical Cord ◽

Magnetization Transfer Ratio ◽

Short Term ◽

Disease Evolution ◽

Transfer Ratio ◽

Relapsing Remitting

Background Magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) permits the quantitative estimation of cervical cord tissue damage in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective To determine whether a single time-point MTR scan of the cervical cord is associated with short-term disease evolution in patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) MS. Methods Using a 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system with a tailored cervical cord phased array coil, fast short-tau inversion recovery (fast-STIR) and MTR scans were obtained from 14 untreated patients with RRMS at baseline. Cervical cord MTR histograms were derived. Over the 18- month follow-up period, relapse rate was measured and disability assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score. Results Average cervical cord MTR was correlated with relapse rate ( r= -0.56, P = 0.037). A moderate correlation ( r values ranging from -0.33 to -0.36) between baseline cervical cord MTR metrics and EDSS changes over 18 months was also noted, albeit statistical significance was not reached ( P = 0.26 and 0.21, respectively) perhaps because of the relatively small sample size. Conclusions This study suggests that a ‘snapshot’ MT MRI assessment of the cervical cord may detect cervical cord tissue changes associated with short-term disease evolution in RRMS.

Download Full-text