Article

The aim of the present study was to investigate the organization of anticipatory
postural adjustments (APAs) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) during
self-initiated perturbation in the sagittal plane.
Eleven individuals with MS and
eleven age-and-gender matched healthy controls were asked to hold a 2.27 kg load
in the extended arms and release it using fast arm abduction movements.
Electrical activity of six leg and trunk muscles as well as displacements of the
center of pressure (COP) were recorded. The results indicate that individuals
with MS (1) demonstrate a reduced magnitude of APAs, (2) delayed latency of APAs
and (3) smaller anticipatory COP displacement as compared to healthy control
subjects. Moreover, in spite of individuals with MS being mildly affected, their
balance capacity was significantly diminished. Thus, the outcome of this study
demonstrates the underlying impairment in anticipatory postural control of
individuals with MS and provides a background for development of rehabilitation
strategies focused on balance restoration in this population.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS