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

Abstract

There are still limitations as to the understanding of the cognitive-postural control relationship in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The aim of the current study' was to examine the relationship between cognition with measures of posturography in PwMS. The study was cross-sectional comprising 253 PwMS (162 women) with a mean age of 42.0 (SD=14.0). All participants completed a computerized cognitive test battery designed to evaluate multiple cognitive domains (Mindstreams; NeuroTrax) and static posturography tests (Zebris Medical GmbH). PwMS were divided into four levels of disability on the basis of their Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score: very mild (EDSS: 0-2.0), mild (EDSS: 2.5-3.5), moderate (EDSS: 4.0-5.5), and severe (EDSS: 6.0-6.5; using a walking aid). Significant correlations were observed between cognitive domains and posturography measures. However, the correlations were different between the disability subgroups. For the mild group, significant correlation scores were observed between the balance measures to the executive function and motor skills cognitive domains (Pearson's ρ=∼0.3 and ∼0.4, respectively). As for the moderate group, significant correlation scores were observed in memory and verbal function (Pearson's ρ=∼0.4 and ∼0.4, respectively). Attention was the only cognitive domain correlated significantly with posturography measures in the severe group (Pearson's ρ=∼0.55). Our study found that posturography measures are related to cognition in PwMS. However, the associations vary in terms of cognitive domains and disability levels.

Balance Changes in Patients With Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study Comparing the Dynamics of the Relapse and Remitting Phases

“…In limiting the number of tasks we were aware that MS patients have a limited stamina and fatigue which is an important confounding factor in balance measurements ( 1 ). Similar to previous studies that showed an association between impaired cognition/fatigue and impaired balance, based on data obtained from a part of the cohort, our remitting patients also showed signs of decreased mentation or moderate or severe fatigue as measured by the appropriate FS score of the EDSS ( 26 – 29 ). However, in this respect it is important to note that patients in this study did not state that the tasks were fatiguing.…”