Vennila Krishnan1, Slobodan Jaric. 1. Department of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, Human Performance Lab, University of Delaware, 541 S. College Avenue, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the methodology for exploring the specific aspects of functional impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) through the pattern of forces exerted in various manipulation tasks. METHODS: Twelve mildly involved MS patients (EDSS 2.5-5.5) and 12 healthy controls performed various static and dynamic manipulation tasks with an instrumented device that recorded the grip (G; normal to the digit device contact area) and load force (L; tangential force that causes lifting). RESULTS: MS patients consistently displayed lower indices of task performance (as assessed by the ability to produce the required L profiles) and force coordination (as assessed by G/L ratio, coupling of G and L, and G modulation) than the healthy controls across all tested tasks. CONCLUSIONS: The applied methodology could be sensitive enough to detect the hand dysfunction in mildly involved individuals with MS. Particularly recommended for future evaluations of the impairment of hand function could be a simple lifting task and the static task of tracing a gradually changing L, as well as the variables depicting both the task performance and G/L ratio. SIGNIFICANCE: The applied methodology could be developed into a standard clinical test for the assessment of hand function in MS and, possibly, in other neurological diseases.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the methodology for exploring the specific aspects of functional impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) through the pattern of forces exerted in various manipulation tasks. METHODS: Twelve mildly involved MSpatients (EDSS 2.5-5.5) and 12 healthy controls performed various static and dynamic manipulation tasks with an instrumented device that recorded the grip (G; normal to the digit device contact area) and load force (L; tangential force that causes lifting). RESULTS:MSpatients consistently displayed lower indices of task performance (as assessed by the ability to produce the required L profiles) and force coordination (as assessed by G/L ratio, coupling of G and L, and G modulation) than the healthy controls across all tested tasks. CONCLUSIONS: The applied methodology could be sensitive enough to detect the hand dysfunction in mildly involved individuals with MS. Particularly recommended for future evaluations of the impairment of hand function could be a simple lifting task and the static task of tracing a gradually changing L, as well as the variables depicting both the task performance and G/L ratio. SIGNIFICANCE: The applied methodology could be developed into a standard clinical test for the assessment of hand function in MS and, possibly, in other neurological diseases.
Authors: Peter Feys; Werner Helsen; Ann Prinsmel; Stephan Ilsbroukx; Shouyan Wang; Xuguang Liu Journal: J Neurosci Methods Date: 2006-11-17 Impact factor: 2.390
Authors: Sophie Cleanthous; Sara Strzok; Farrah Pompilus; Stefan Cano; Patrick Marquis; Stanley Cohan; Myla D Goldman; Kiren Kresa-Reahl; Jennifer Petrillo; Carmen Castrillo-Viguera; Diego Cadavid; Shih-Yin Chen Journal: Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin Date: 2018-05-17