Relationship between soleus H-reflex asymmetry and postural control in multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) commonly causes impaired postural control, often with asymmetric motor deficits.
• The soleus Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) asymmetry has not been previously evaluated in individuals with MS.
• Understanding H-reflex asymmetry may offer new insights into MS-related balance impairments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify soleus H-reflex asymmetry between limbs in individuals with MS.
• To investigate the correlation between H-reflex asymmetry and postural control deficits in MS.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen participants with MS underwent H-reflex testing across four sessions.
• Balance was assessed using a single session of sensory organization and limits of stability testing.
• Data analysis focused on comparing reflex measures and postural control scores between limbs and correlating asymmetry with performance.

Main Results:

• MS participants demonstrated significantly greater soleus H-reflex asymmetry (p=0.01).
• The MS group exhibited poorer postural stability, indicated by lower sensory organization scores (p<0.05).
• H-reflex asymmetry correlated negatively with forward endpoint excursion and maximum excursion during limits of stability testing (p<0.05, p<0.01).

Conclusions:

• Greater soleus H-reflex asymmetry in MS is linked to significant impairments in forward postural control.
• Individualized physical rehabilitation programs may help mitigate H-reflex asymmetry.
• Assessing soleus H-reflex asymmetry could be a valuable tool for clinicians and rehabilitation specialists working with MS patients.