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Early recognition of postural disorders in multiple sclerosis through movement analysis: a modeling study
M L Corradini1, S Fioretti, T Leo
1Dipartimento di Elettronica ed Automatica, Università di Ancona, Italy. letizia@bioma.ee.unian.it
IEEE Transactions on Bio-Medical Engineering
|November 14, 1997
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients show altered posture control system controllers, even without clinical symptoms. This suggests an MS-specific reorganization of the central nervous system (CNS) in maintaining balance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect balance and posture control.
- Subtle changes in postural control may precede clinical symptoms in MS.
- Understanding CNS adaptations in early MS is crucial for predicting disease progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze spontaneous postural behavior in early-stage MS patients.
- To compare postural control in MS patients with healthy individuals and hemiparetic patients.
- To identify structural changes in the posture control system's controller in MS.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a feedback posture control system model (inverted pendulum).
- Employed parametric estimation procedures with movement analysis (MA) system data.
- Compared postural sway and ankle torque regulation across three groups: MS, healthy, and hemiparetic.
Main Results:
- Detected structural changes in the controller block of the posture control system in MS patients.
- MS patients exhibited distinct postural control strategies compared to healthy and hemiparetic groups.
- Findings indicate a potential MS-specific reorganization of the CNS for posture regulation.
Conclusions:
- Early-stage MS, even without overt postural deficits, involves CNS reorganization.
- Movement analysis and modeling offer a sensitive approach to detect preclinical MS-related changes.
- This research may inform future strategies for monitoring and managing postural disorders in MS.