The relationship between trunk function and spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Progressive disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) often leads to diminished trunk control.
• Spasticity is a common complication in MS, exacerbating disability and impacting lower extremity function.
• Impaired trunk control and altered muscle tone are significant challenges for people with MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between trunk control and spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• To determine if trunk motor control is associated with the severity of spasticity in MS patients.

Main Methods:

• The study included 66 participants with moderate MS, aged 20-50.
• Trunk motor control was assessed using the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS).
• Spasticity was quantified using the Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale-88 (MSSS-88).

Main Results:

• A significant negative correlation was found between MSSS-88 and TIS scores (b = -0.011, P = 0.006).
• Each 1-point increase in the MSSS-88 score corresponded to a 0.011-point decrease in the TIS score.
• This indicates that higher spasticity is associated with poorer trunk control.

Conclusions:

• Trunk function is significantly associated with spasticity in people with MS.
• There is an inverse relationship between core function and spasticity.
• Enhancing core function may help reduce spasticity in individuals with MS.