The relationship between static posturography measures and specific cognitive domains in individuals with multiple...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Science
• Clinical Neurology

Background:

• Understanding the interplay between cognitive function and postural control is crucial for managing multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Previous research has indicated a relationship, but specific associations across different disability levels in MS remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between various cognitive domains and objective measures of postural control in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
• To explore how this relationship varies across different levels of disability, as defined by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 253 individuals with MS.
• Participants completed a computerized cognitive test battery (Mindstreams; NeuroTrax) and static posturography tests (Zebris Medical GmbH).
• Data were analyzed across four disability subgroups: very mild, mild, moderate, and severe (based on EDSS scores).

Main Results:

• Significant correlations were found between cognitive domains and posturography measures in the overall PwMS group.
• The specific cognitive domains associated with balance performance differed across disability levels.
• In the mild disability group, executive function and motor skills correlated with balance.
• Memory and verbal function were linked to balance in the moderate group.
• Attention was the primary cognitive domain correlated with balance in the severe disability group.

Conclusions:

• Posturography measures are demonstrably related to cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis.
• The nature of this association is dynamic, changing with the level of neurological disability.
• These findings highlight the importance of assessing both cognitive and postural functions in the comprehensive management of MS.