Article

Postural control relies on the integration of inputs from the visual,
somatosensory and vestibular systems which are frequently impaired in people with
Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). In this situation, examining the Romberg ratio can be
useful. This parameter can be interpreted as a gross indicator of a vestibular
and proprioceptive contribution to postural control.
Therefore, the primary
objective of the current study was to examine whether the Romberg ratio differs
between MS fallers, non-fallers and neurological disability levels. In addition,
we clarified the association between the Romberg ratio values with validated gait
and the balance tests in PwMS. Romberg ratio values were calculated according to
the sway rate, total sway area and center of pressure (CoP) path length. The
patient group included 542 PwMS (337 women) with a mean age of 42.3 (S.D=13.8).
In terms of fall status, significant differences were observed between the faller
(n=287) and non-faller (n=255) groups solely in terms of the Romberg
ratio-ellipse sway area: 2.76 (S.D=2.46) vs. 2.24 (S.D=2.01), P-value=0.01. A
significant increase in the Romberg ratio was found between the severe group
(n=50), the very mild (n=245), mild (n=186) and moderate (n=61) groups for each
of the three Romberg ratio quotients. Significant weak correlation scores were
found between the Romberg ratio-ellipse sway area and all walking and balance
outcome measures; the Pearson's rho ranged from 0.172 to 0.270. The present data
suggest that an elevated Romberg ratio quotient, especially according to the sway
area, is an indicator of poor walking and balance capabilities in PwMS.
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Langue : ANGLAIS