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Characterizations of reflex and nonreflex changes in spastic multiple sclerosis.
Li-Qun Zhang1, Kai Chen2, Sang Hoon Kang2
1Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, 345 East Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University, 345 East Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University, 676 N. St. Clair Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods
|January 30, 2014
Summary
Spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients involves altered knee joint mechanics, with lower viscosity and tonic reflexes but higher phasic reflexes compared to healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Spasticity, a common neurological disorder symptom, causes limb movement resistance and disability.
- Distinguishing between reflex and non-reflex causes of spasticity is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate reflex and non-reflex properties of the knee joint in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with spasticity.
- To differentiate between reflex and non-reflex contributions to spasticity.
Main Methods:
- Studied eight MS patients with spasticity and ten healthy controls.
- Utilized a digital joint driving device for controlled knee perturbations.
- Employed a nonlinear delay differential equation model to analyze reflex and intrinsic joint properties.
Main Results:
- Spastic MS patients exhibited significantly lower joint viscosity and tonic stretch reflex gain.
- Spastic MS patients demonstrated higher phasic stretch reflex gains.
- A trend of increased joint stiffness was observed in spastic MS patients.
Conclusions:
- Characterizing tonic/phasic reflexes and non-reflex properties offers insight into spasticity mechanisms.
- Understanding these properties can guide the development of targeted treatments for neurological disorders.
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