Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination and axonal degeneration. Neuromuscular impairments associated with MS, including muscle weakness, spasticity, fatigue, and proprioceptive deficits, may lead to alterations in spinal posture and reduced spinal mobility. These changes can negatively affect trunk control, balance, respiratory function, and functional independence. Although postural abnormalities and mobility limitations have been reported in individuals with MS, the relationship between spinal posture, spinal mobility, and balance remains insufficiently investigated. Therefore, this study aims to examine the associations between spinal posture, spinal mobility, and balance performance in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Improved understanding of these relationships may contribute to the development of targeted rehabilitation interventions aimed at enhancing postural control and functional outcomes in this population. This study further hypothesises that alterations in spinal posture and spinal mobility are associated with impaired balance performance in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
30
Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University
Ankara, Çubuk, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGSpinal alignment
Spinal alignment was assessed in the sagittal and frontal planes during neutral standing, maximal trunk flexion, and maximal trunk extension. All spinal alignment parameters were recorded as angular values and expressed in degrees (°).
Time frame: 1 hour
Spinal mobility
Spinal mobility was assessed in both the sagittal and frontal planes. In the sagittal plane, mobility was calculated as the angular difference between the neutral standing posture and maximal trunk flexion and extension positions. In the frontal plane, lateral flexion mobility was calculated as the angular difference between the neutral standing posture and maximal right and left lateral flexion positions. All measurements were recorded in degrees (°).
Time frame: 1 hour
Single-Leg Stance
Single-leg stance time was recorded in seconds, with shorter durations indicating poorer balance performance.
Time frame: 1 hour
Time Up and Go
Dynamic balance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test. Performance was recorded as the time required to complete the task (seconds), with longer times indicating poorer dynamic balance.
Time frame: 1 hour
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