Article

The aims of the present study were to investigate the relationship between the
foot sensations and standing balance in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and
find out the sensation, which best predicts balance. Twenty-seven patients with
MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale 1-3.5) and 10 healthy volunteers were
included. Threshold of light touch-pressure, duration of vibration, and distance
of two-point discrimination of the foot sole were assessed. Duration of static
one-leg standing balance was measured. Light touch-pressure, vibration, two-point
discrimination sensations of the foot sole, and duration of one-leg standing
balance were decreased in patients with MS compared with controls (p<0.05).
Sensation of the foot sole was related with duration of one-leg standing balance
in patients with MS. In the multiple regression analysis conducted in the 27 MS
patients, 47.6% of the variance in the duration of one-leg standing balance was
explained by two-point discrimination sensation of the heel (R(2)=0.359, p=0.001)
and vibration sensation of the first metatarsal head (R(2)=0.118, p=0.029). As
the cutaneous receptors sensitivity decreases in the foot sole the standing
balance impairs in patients with MS. Two-point discrimination sensation of the
heel and vibration sensation of the first metatarsal head region are the best
predictors of the static standing balance in patients with MS. Other factors
which could be possible to predict balance and effects of sensorial training of
foot on balance should be investigated.
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Langue : ANGLAIS