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Anticipatory postural adjustments in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Vennila Krishnan1, Neeta Kanekar, Alexander S Aruin
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
Neuroscience Letters
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) have impaired anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs), affecting balance. This study reveals their reduced ability to use APAs, impacting postural control and balance restoration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) often causes balance difficulties.
- Anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) are crucial for maintaining posture.
- Little is known about APA utilization in individuals with MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how individuals with MS use APAs during postural control.
- To compare APA strategies between individuals with MS and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Participants with MS and healthy controls performed rapid arm movements.
- Center of pressure (COP) and electromyographic (EMG) activity of trunk and leg muscles were recorded.
- Data were analyzed within APA timeframes.
Main Results:
- Individuals with MS showed reduced directional specificity in anticipatory EMG patterns.
- Smaller magnitudes of anticipatory muscle activation were observed in the MS group.
- This correlated with increased COP displacements during balance recovery.
Conclusions:
- Anticipatory postural control is vital for maintaining posture in individuals with MS.
- Impaired APAs contribute to balance deficits in MS.
- Findings can inform the development of balance rehabilitation strategies for MS.
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