Article

Somatosensory impairments are common in multiple sclerosis. However,
little data are available to characterize the nature and frequency of these
problems in people with multiple sclerosis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the
frequency of somatosensory impairments and identify any association with balance
limitations in people with multiple sclerosis. METHODS:
The design was a
prospective cross-sectional study, involving 82 people with multiple sclerosis
and 30 healthy controls. Tactile and proprioceptive sensory acuity were measured
using the Rivermead Assessment of Somatosensory Performance. Vibration duration
was assessed using a tuning fork. Duration for the Timed Up and Go Test and
reaching distance of the Functional Reach Test were measured to assess balance
limitations. The normative range of sensory modalities was defined using cut-off
points in the healthy participants. The multivariate linear regression was used
to identify the significant predictors of balance in people with multiple
sclerosis. RESULTS: Proprioceptive impairments (66.7%) were more common than
tactile (60.8%) and vibration impairments (44.9%). Somatosensory impairments were
more frequent in the lower limb (78.2%) than the upper limb (64.1%). All sensory
modalities were significantly associated with the Timed Up and Go and Functional
Reach tests (p<0.05). The Timed Up and Go test was independently predicted by the
severity of the neurological lesion, Body Mass Index, ataxia, and tactile
sensation (R2=0.58), whereas the Functional Reach test was predicted by the
severity of the neurological lesion, lower limb strength, and vibration sense
(R2=0.49). CONCLUSIONS: Somatosensory impairments are very common in people with
multiple sclerosis. These impairments are independent predictors of balance
limitation.
CI - Copyright (c) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS