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Pulse pressure is associated with walking impairment in multiple sclerosis
Kevin S Heffernan1, Sushant Ranadive, Madeline Weikert
1Department of Exercise Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|August 9, 2011
Summary
Higher pulse pressure (PP), a measure of arterial stiffness, is linked to reduced walking ability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This suggests vascular changes may impact physical function in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by impaired gait performance, correlating with disability and disease progression.
- Ventricular-vascular uncoupling, indicated by increased arterial stiffness and pulse pressure (PP), is a potential contributor to functional decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between central (aortic, carotid) and peripheral (brachial) pulse pressure (PP) and gait performance in individuals with MS.
- To test the hypothesis that elevated PP is associated with reduced gait performance in MS.
Main Methods:
- The study included 33 individuals with MS and 33 age/sex-matched controls.
- Central blood pressure was measured using applanation tonometry; brachial blood pressure was measured with an automated oscillometric cuff.
- Gait performance was quantified by the 6-minute walk (6 MW) distance.
Main Results:
- In the MS group, 6 MW distance showed significant inverse correlations with brachial (r = -0.49), aortic (r = -0.52), and carotid (r = -0.57) PP (p < 0.005 for all).
- No significant associations between PP measures and 6 MW distance were found in the control group (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Pulse pressure (PP) is a significant predictor of gait performance in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
- Findings suggest that vascular senescence and altered ventricular-vascular coupling may play a role in the physical function deterioration observed in MS.
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