Article

Fatigue and impaired upright postural control (balance) are the two
most common complaints in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), with limited
evidence on how they are related. OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between
symptomatic fatigue and balance as a function of central sensory integration in
persons with multiple sclerosis. METHODS: Seventeen persons with
relapsing-remitting MS were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Primary
measurements included fatigue (modified fatigue impact scale - MFIS); balance
(dynamic posturography, sensory organization testing - SOT); and walking capacity
(six-minute walk test - 6MWT). RESULTS: Fatigue scores were significantly
associated with balance: MFIS total (r=-0.78; p<0.001), physical subscale
(r=-0.77; p<0.001), cognitive subscale (r=-0.75; p=0.001) and psychosocial
subscale (r=-0.53; p=0.030) scores. MFIS total score was a significant predictor
of balance (p</=0.001), accounting for 62% of the variability in SOT composite
scores. Significant differences in fatigue (d=1.75; p=0.005) and balance (d=1.74;
p=0.005) were found for participants who had cerebellar and brainstem involvement
compared to those without. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic fatigue is significantly
related to balance and is a significant predictor of balance as a function of
central sensory integration in persons with MS. Fatigue and balance are
associated with cerebellar and brainstem involvement. This study provides early
evidence supporting the theory that for those persons with MS who struggle to
maintain steady balance during tasks that stimulate the central sensory
integration process, complaints of significant levels of fatigue are probable.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS