scholarly journals Effects of Fatigue on Balance and Mobility in Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis: A Brief Report

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Gervasoni ◽  
Davide Cattaneo ◽  
Angelo Montesano ◽  
Johanna Jonsdottir

Purpose. People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) tent to have increased levels of fatigue which can impact on their balance and increase risk of falls. However, the relationship between fatigue and balance is poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to assess if an experimentally induced fatigue had an immediate effect on balance. Methods. 37 inpatients with multiple sclerosis were recruited; the mean age (standard deviation) was 48.7 (9.6) years. The average onset of the pathology was 15.3 (9.8) years before the start of the study. The median (1°–3° quartile) Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 5.5 (4.5–6.0). Before and after a fatiguing treadmill, session, subjects were assessed with the Berg Balance Scale and Dynamic Gait Index. Results. After the treadmill, no statistically significant differences were found in balance before and after a treadmill session (monopodalic stance: before 5.3s (10.3) and after 7.7s (13.9); walk with horizontal head turns: before 11.6 (6.9) seconds and after 11.3 (7.7)). There was no correlation between the EDSS score and the difference in balance skills before and after treadmill. Conclusion. After treadmil PwMS were mentally and physically fatigued; however, their balance performance did not change, indicating no increase in risk of falling with fatigue.

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-16
Author(s):  
Wildja De Lima Gomes ◽  
Thais Botossi Scalha ◽  
Lucas Brino Mota ◽  
Viviane Almeida Kuroda ◽  
Juliana Cintra Garrafa ◽  
...  

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on static and dynamic balance after the use of textured insoles. Method: Fifteen subjects with multiple sclerosis were evaluated before using the insoles, after using them for 1 month, and after 2 months without using, them using the following measuring instruments: the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, and 10-meter Walk Test, a means of functional gait assessment. Results: Improvement was observed in the Berg Balance Scale and Dynamic Gait Index scores, walking time, number of steps and step length after using the insoles for 1 month. The improvement in Berg Balance Scale score remained after two months without the insoles and there were no changes in gait speed. Conclusion: The use of textured insoles was effective as an intervention to improve static and dynamic balance in patients with multiple sclerosis.


Healthcare ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tapan Mehta ◽  
Hui-Ju Young ◽  
Byron Lai ◽  
Fuchenchu Wang ◽  
Yumi Kim ◽  
...  

Background: Recent clinical guidelines for adults with neurological disabilities suggest the need to assess measures of static and dynamic balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) as core outcome measures. Given that the BBS measures both static and dynamic balance, it was unclear as to whether either of these instruments was superior in terms of its convergent and concurrent validity, and whether there was value in complementing the BBS with the DGI. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the concurrent and convergent validity of the BBS and DGI by comparing the performance of these two functional balance tests in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: Baseline cross-sectional data on 75 people with MS were collected for use in this study from 14 physical therapy clinics participating in a large pragmatic cluster-randomized trial. Convergent validity estimates between the DGI and BBS were examined by comparing the partial Spearman correlations of each test to objective lower extremity functional measures (Timed Up and Go (TUG), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW) test) and the self-reported outcomes of physical functioning and general health using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Concurrent validity was assessed by applying logistic regression with gait disability as the binary outcome (Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) as the criterion measure). The predictive ability of two models, a reduced/parsimonious model including the BBS only and a second model including both the BBS and DGI, were compared using the adjusted coefficient of determinations. Results: Both the DGI and BBS were strongly correlated with lower extremity measures overall as well as across the two PDSS strata with correlations. In PDDS ≤ 2, the difference in the convergence of BBS with TUG and DGI with TUG was −0.123 (95% CI: −0.280, −0.012). While this finding was statistically significant at a type 1 error rate of 0.05, it was not significant (Hommel’s adjusted p-value = 0.465) after accounting for multiple testing corrections to control for the family-wise error rate. The BBS–SF-36 physical functioning correlation was at least moderate and significant overall and across both PDDS strata. However, the DGI–physical functioning score did not have a statistically significant correlation within PDDS ≤ 2. None of the differences in convergent and concurrent validity between the BBS and DGI were significant. The additional variation in 6MWT explained by the DGI when added to a model with the BBS was 7.78% (95% CI: 0.6%, 15%). Conclusions: These exploratory analyses on data collected in pragmatic real-world settings suggest that neither of these measures of balance is profoundly superior to the other in terms of its concurrent and convergent validity. The DGI may not have any utility for people with PDDS ≤ 2, especially if the focus is on mobility, but may be useful if the goal is to provide insight on lower extremity endurance. Further research leveraging longitudinal data from pragmatic trials and quasi-experimental designs may provide more information about the clinical usefulness of the DGI in terms of its predictive validity when compared to the BBS.


Author(s):  
S. V Prokopenko ◽  
Mariya V. Abros’kina ◽  
V. S Ondar ◽  
S. A Kaygorodtseva

The article presents the results of approbation of the complex of objective evaluation of equilibrium and walking functions, including such functional scales as Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, hardware methods of computer stabilometry and laser analyzer of kinematic parameters of walking in groups of patients with poststroke vestibulo-atactic syndrome and hemiparesis syndrome. The proposed complex allows objectively and informatively to assess the state of static and dynamic balance, the risk of falls during walking, changes in the walking pattern in neurological patients. The complex is recommended for the dynamic assessment of patients’ condition during neurorehabilitation.


2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (10) ◽  
pp. 1369-1376 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anette Forsberg ◽  
Malin Andreasson ◽  
Ylva E. Nilsagård

BackgroundEvaluation of walking capacity and risk of falls in people with multiple sclerosis often are performed in rehabilitation. The Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) evaluates walking during different tasks, but the feasibility in identifying people at risk for falls needs to be further investigated.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate (1) the construct validity (known groups, convergent, and discriminant) of the DGI and (2) the accuracy of predicting falls and establishing a cutoff point to identify fallers.DesignThis trial was a multicenter, cross-sectional study.MethodsA convenience sample was composed of 81 people with multiple sclerosis with subjective gait and balance impairment who were able to walk 100 m (comparable to Expanded Disability Status Scale 1–6). Mean age of the participants was 49 years; 76% were women. The 25-Foot Timed Walk Test, Timed “Up & Go” Test, Four Square Step Test, Timed Sit-to-Stand Test, MS Walking Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, and self-reported falls during the previous 2 months were used for validation, to establish cutoff points for identifying fallers, and to investigate predictive values.ResultsSignificantly lower DGI scores (P≤.001) were found for participants reporting falls (n=31). High sensitivity (87%) in identifying fallers was found, with a cutoff score ≤19. The positive predictive value was 50%, and the negative predictive value was 87%. The positive likelihood ratio was 1.77, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.26. The convergent validity was moderate to strong (ρ=0.58–0.80), with the highest correlation coefficient found for the 25-Foot Timed Walk Test. Discriminant validity was shown with low correlation for the psychological subscale of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale.LimitationsThe sample included ambulatory people participating in a randomized controlled trial investigating balance training.ConclusionsThe DGI is a valid measure of dynamic balance during walking for ambulatory people with multiple sclerosis. With the cutoff point of ≤19, sensitivity was high in identifying people at risk of falls.


Open Medicine ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 509-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Silvia Marola ◽  
Alessia Ferrarese ◽  
Enrico Gibin ◽  
Marco Capobianco ◽  
Antonio Bertolotto ◽  
...  

AbstractConstipation, obstructed defecation, and fecal incontinence are frequent complaints in multiple sclerosis. The literature on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these disorders is scant. Using anorectal manometry, we compared the anorectal function in patients with and without multiple sclerosis.136 patients referred from our Center for Multiple Sclerosis to the Coloproctology Outpatient Clinic, between January 2005 and December 2011, were enrolled. The patients were divided into four groups: multiple sclerosis patients with constipation (group A); multiple sclerosis patients with fecal incontinence (group B); non-multiple sclerosis patients with constipation (group C); non-multiple sclerosis patients with fecal incontinence (group D). Anorectal manometry was performed to measure: resting anal pressure; maximum squeeze pressure; rectoanal inhibitory reflex; filling pressure and urge pressure. The difference between resting anal pressure before and after maximum squeeze maneuvers was defined as the change in resting anal pressure calculated for each patient.ResultsGroup A patients were noted to have greater sphincter hypotonia at rest and during contraction compared with those in group C (p=0.02); the rectal sensitivity threshold was lower in group B than in group D patients (p=0.02). No voluntary postcontraction sphincter relaxation was observed in either group A or group B patients (p=0.891 and p=0.939, respectively).ConclusionsThe decrease in the difference in resting anal pressure before and after maximum squeeze maneuvers suggests post-contraction sphincter spasticity, indicating impaired pelvic floor coordination in multiple sclerosis patients. A knowledge of manometric alterations in such patients may be clinically relevant in the selection of patients for appropriate treatments and for planning targeted rehabilitation therapy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-35
Author(s):  
Ricardo N. Alonso ◽  
Maria B. Eizaguirre ◽  
Berenice Silva ◽  
Maria C. Pita ◽  
Cecilia Yastremiz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: There is no consensus regarding assessment of the brain function functional system (FS) of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We sought to describe brain function FS assessment criteria used by Argentinian neurologists and, based on the results, propose redefined brain function FS criteria. Methods: A structured survey was conducted of 113 Argentinian neurologists. Considering the survey results, we decided to redefine the brain function FS scoring using the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) battery. For 120 adult patients with MS we calculated the EDSS score without brain function FS (basal EDSS) and compared it with the EDSS score after adding the modified brain function FS (modified EDSS). Results: Of the 93 neurologists analyzed, 14% reported that they did not assess brain function FS, 35% reported that they assessed it through a nonstructured interview, and the remainder used other tools. Significant differences were found in EDSS scores before and after the inclusion of BICAMS (P < .001). Redefining the brain function FS, 15% of patients modified their basal EDSS score, as did 20% of those with a score of 4.0 or less. Conclusions: The survey results show the importance of unifying the brain function FS scoring criteria in calculating the EDSS score. While allowing more consistent brain function FS scoring, including the modified brain function FS led to a change in EDSS score in many patients, particularly in the lower range of EDSS scores. Considering the relevance of the EDSS for monitoring patients with MS and for decision making, it is imperative to further validate the modified brain function FS scoring.


2022 ◽  
Vol 91 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Alessandro Torchio ◽  
Chiara Corrini ◽  
Denise Anastasi ◽  
Riccardo Parelli ◽  
Matteo Meotti ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (10) ◽  
pp. 714-725
Author(s):  
Heinz Reichmann ◽  
Martin Gerber ◽  
Markus Reckhardt ◽  
Fritjof Reinhardt

ZusammenfassungDie erfolgreiche Haltungskontrolle setzt eine effektive und effiziente Interaktion aller posturalen Systeme voraus, die sowohl aktiv als auch reaktiv mittels muskulärer Kräfte den Körper im Gleichgewicht halten. Eine Störung dieses komplexen Posturalsystems auf sensorischer, zentraler oder motorischer Ebene führt in der Folge zu einer zunehmenden Instabilität und zu einer erhöhten Sturzneigung. Insofern scheinen die zuverlässige Erhebung der posturalen Kontrolle und die damit verbundene Sturzprävalenz ein wichtiges Element der ambulanten und stationären Versorgung zu sein. Die motorisch-funktionellen Assessments, die sich aus verschiedenen Gleichgewichts- und Stabilitätsaufgaben ergeben, stellen noch immer den Goldstandard zur Quantifizierung der posturalen Kontrolle dar. Diese Verfahren sind jedoch oftmals nicht in der Lage, die Gleichgewichtsfähigkeit eines Patienten vollumfänglich abzubilden, oder sind aufgrund der subjektiven Bewertung oder unzureichender Standardisierung nur bedingt vergleichbar. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war daher die Entwicklung eines quantitativen Messverfahrens zur Überprüfung der posturalen Kontrolle, basierend auf dem neuroorthopädischen Therapiegerät Posturomed®. Das Messsystem wurde in Form eines reaktiven Screeningverfahrens ausgeführt. Bei diesem werden mechanische Perturbationen erzeugt mittels Elektromagneten, die an der Unterstützungsfläche des Probanden appliziert werden. Der Eignungsnachweis dieses Systems für eine Quantifizierung der posturalen Kontrolle erfolgte durch eine zweiarmige Querschnittsstudie mit 115 gesunden Probanden (Referenzgruppe) und 149 neurologischen Patienten.Die Gruppe der neurologischen Patienten setzte sich zusammen aus– 69 Patienten mit zerebraler Mikroangiopathie (ZMA) mit in den letzten 12 Monaten klinisch eher leichter, aber chronisch progredienter Symptomatik,– 31 Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson Stadium I bis III nach Hoehn & Yahr als chronisch progrediente, multilokuläre Netzwerkerkrankung und – 49 Patienten mit klinisch vordergründig restierender Hemiparese bei Zustand nach zerebraler Embolie (Kraftgrad des betroffenen Beins 4/5 oder latente Parese) außerhalb der Subakutphase. Die Ergebnisse der Studie belegen, dass Perturbationsversuche zur Quantifizierung der posturalen Kontrolle für ein breites Spektrum neurologischer Patienten geeignet sind. Die Validität des Verfahrens konnte durch eine hohe inhaltliche Übereinstimmung zwischen der dynamischen Posturografie und den konvergenten Maßen der Motorik (Berg Balance Scale; Dynamic Gait Index) nachgewiesen werden. Das vorgestellte System erscheint folglich geeignet, das reaktive Gleichgewicht als eine Eigenschaft der motorischen Standkontrolle zu bestimmen. Die dynamische Posturografie auf Basis eines Perturbationsversuchs kann im klinischen und therapeutischen Umfeld zur Quantifizierung der posturalen Kontrolle eingesetzt werden. Zielgruppenlimitationen und damit verbundene Einschränkungen der Generalisierbarkeit von motorisch-funktionellen Testverfahren werden mit ihm überwunden. Darüber hinaus können auf der Basis der reaktiven posturalen Kompetenz individuelle Rückschlüsse auf das Sturzrisiko gezogen werden. Die Prognosegüte dieser Sturzrisikobewertung entspricht denen der motorisch-funktionellen Testverfahren und ist je nach Zielgruppe teilweise sogar besser. Für Patienten mit Morbus Parkinson konnte für den Dämpfungskoeffizienten bei einem Grenzwert von Δτ = − 0,45 s die höchste Güte ermittelt werden. Eine Sensitivität von 79 % und Spezifität von 78 % lassen eine gute Verwendung als sturzbezogenes Assessment erkennen. Der routinemäßige klinische Einsatz zur Quantifizierung der Sturzgefährdung, z. B. im Rahmen einer Krankenhausaufnahme, erscheint auf Grundlage der Ergebnisse empfehlenswert. Eine Grundvoraussetzung dafür, dass sich ein Assessment für eine Verlaufsbestimmung im Rahmen von Behandlungen einer Erkrankung eignet, ist seine ausreichende Reliabilität. Die laterale Perturbation und dann die Wertung von mittlerer Schwingungsgeschwindigkeit und Schwingungsdistanz sind geeignet für die Beurteilung der posturalen Stabilität im Verlauf neurologischer Erkrankungen und damit auch für eine quantitative Erfassung auftretender Therapieeffekte.


2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (25) ◽  
pp. 3707-3712
Author(s):  
Mark M. Mañago ◽  
Michelle Cameron ◽  
Margaret Schenkman

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document