Investigation of the relationship between disability level and core stability in patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Objectives: Optimal core stability relies on somatosensory, motor and musculoskeletal systems that are often compromised with the progression of the disability level in the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between disability level and core stability in patients with MS. Materials and Methods: Thirty-seven MS patients (26 female and 11 male) with mild to moderate disability were included in the study. Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was used to evaluate the level of disability of patients with MS. Core endurance tests including the flexion endurance test, extension endurance test, right and left side bridge tests and core power tests including the sit-ups test and modified push-ups test were evaluated. Results: When the relationship between disability level and core stability was examined in patients with MS, it was seen that the EDSS was associated with flexion endurance test, extension endurance test, right and left side bridge tests, sit-ups test and modified push-ups test (r= -0.572, r= -0.445, r= -0.585, r= -0.653, r= -0.571, r= -0.532 respectively; p<0.05). Conclusion: Disability level was associated with core endurance and core power, which are the sub-parameters of core stability in patients with MS. These results suggest that core stability may also lead to increase neurological impairment and disability level; therefore it should be evaluated from the early stage of the disease.

Keywords

• Multiple Sclerosis
• disability
• core endurance
• core power

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