Motor and respiratory functions are main challenges to patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) present wide and varied symptoms. Objective: To investigate the impact of MS on subjects’ motor and respiratory functions. Methods: One hundred one participants were enrolled in this study. The subjects had previous diagnosis of relapsing-remittent MS (n = 48) or presented no neurologic diseases (n = 53, control group). Assessments involved mobility (Timed Get Up and Go) and balance (Berg Balance Scale) tests. A force platform was used to evaluate postural stabilometry. Respiratory functions were assessed with a portable spirometer and a digital manovacuometer. Data analyses were carried out with Student´s t-tests, chi-square, and Pearson correlation index. Significance was set at 5%. Results: Compared to control peers, participants with MS showed higher motor dysfunctions affecting mobility, balance, and postural stability. Spirometry indicated normal parameters for pulmonary flows and lung capacities in both groups. The manovacuometer, differently, pointed to a respiratory muscle weakness in 48% of participants with MS. Correlation analyses highlighted that respiratory functions are more associated to dynamic than to static motor tests. Conclusion:  Pathological changes in MS lead to motor dysfunction on mobility, balance and postural stability. Respiratory tests showed normal pulmonary flows and lung capacities in patients with MS, but with commitment of respiratory muscle strength. Respiratory functions were more impacted by dynamic tasks rather than static motor tasks.