Advanced characterization of static postural control dysfunction in persons with multiple sclerosis and associated...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease causing central nervous system neurodegeneration and postural dysfunction.
• Quiet standing relies on complex sensory input and motor output, with underlying mechanisms in MS remaining unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between multi-dimensional postural control and cortical sensorimotor pathway (CSP) microstructural integrity in persons with MS (PwMS) and neurotypical adults.

Main Methods:

• Postural control was assessed using time-to-boundary measures under varied sensory conditions (eyes open/closed, firm/foam stance).
• Diffusion tensor imaging measured CSP microstructural integrity.
• Analysis involved mixed-model ANOVA and correlation between postural performance and CSP integrity.

Main Results:

• PwMS exhibited significantly worse anterior-posterior postural control and poorer CSP microstructural integrity compared to controls.
• A significant negative association was found between CSP integrity and postural control performance in PwMS across different dimensions.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to link CSP microstructural integrity with multi-dimensional postural control in PwMS.
• Reduced CSP integrity is associated with impaired postural control in MS, highlighting neural underpinnings of dysfunction.
• Findings suggest new approaches for evaluating rehabilitation strategies targeting proprioceptive deficits in MS.