Postural Control Complexity and Fatigue in Minimally Affected Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

J Mot Behav. 2019;51(5):551-560. doi: 10.1080/00222895.2019.1567458. Epub 2019 Jan 28.

Abstract

This study investigated changes in postural control complexity in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) before and after a fatigue protocol. Thirteen minimally affected PwMS (1.53 ± 1.03- Expanded Disability Status Scale) and 12 non-MS controls. Postural test included quiet stance on a force platform under two visual conditions (saccades and fixation) before and after a fatigue protocol. Postural complexity was assessed through the multiscale entropy. A three-way ANOVA showed a main effect of fatigue in the medial-lateral direction (p <0.007), with fatigue protocol reducing postural complexity in both groups. No differences were found between groups or visual conditions. Minimally affected PwMS demonstrated similar postural complexity compared with non-MS controls under both visual tasks and showed similar decrements in postural complexity as a result of fatigue.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; fatigue; multiscale entropy; postural control.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Fatigue / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Fixation, Ocular / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multiple Sclerosis / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis / physiopathology*
  • Postural Balance / physiology*
  • Saccades / physiology
  • Severity of Illness Index