The rate of force relaxation scaling factor is highly sensitive to detect upper and lower extremity motor deficiencies in mildly affected people with multiple sclerosis.

Background: The motor symptoms affecting upper and lower extremity functioning in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) are considered the cardinal symptoms of multiple sclerosis. There is still a need for outcome measures that can sensitively evaluate these symptoms. We aimed to investigate the sensitivity of the isometric outcomes (maximum force; Fmax, maximum rate of force development; RFDmax, rate of force development scaling factor; RFD-SF, and rate of force relaxation scaling factor; RFR-SF) and standard clinical tests (9-hole peg test; 9HPT and timed 25-feet walk test; T25FW) in detecting the upper and lower extremity motor deficiencies in PwMS and also in a subgroup of mildly affected PwMS whose performance in standard clinical tests were similar to controls.

Isometric tests to evaluate upper and lower extremity functioning in people with multiple sclerosis: reliability and validity.

Background: Both upper and lower extremity motor symptoms are common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and there is a need to develop objective, reliable, and valid outcome measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and external validity of the standard and novel isometric tests in the assessment of neuromuscular functioning in both upper (grip force; GF) and lower (knee extensors; KE) extremities in PwMS.

Methods: Twenty-nine relapsing-remitting PwMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)<6) completed isometric and functional tests in upper (grip force) and lower (knee extension) extremity in two separate visits.

Trekking Poles to Aid Multiple Sclerosis Walking Impairment: An Exploratory Comparison of the Effects of Assistive Devices on Psychosocial Impact and Walking.

Background: Walking dysfunction is reported by two-thirds of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Assistive devices are frequently recommended to improve walking; however, it is uncommon to consider their psychosocial impact, although many users abandon their assistive devices. The psychosocial impact, walking, balance, and fatigue associated with three assistive devices were compared to guide clinical decision making.

Rate of force development and relaxation scaling factors are highly sensitive to detect upper extremity motor impairments in multiple sclerosis.

Objective: Clinical assessment of upper extremity in multiple sclerosis is mainly limited to 9-hole peg test (9-HPT), which is commonly criticized due to its limited sensitivity. There is a need for sensitive outcome measures for the assessment of motor symptoms in individuals with multiple sclerosis (iMS). We evaluated our recently developed brief force pulse protocol to simultaneously quantify the motor control of hand function and neuromuscular quickness in iMS.

Feasibility and Impact of an 8-Week Integrative Yoga Program in People with Moderate Multiple Sclerosis-Related Disability: A Pilot Study.

Background: This pilot study determined the feasibility of a specifically designed 8-week yoga program for people with moderate multiple sclerosis (MS)-related disability. We explored the program's effect on quality of life (QOL) and physical and mental performance.

Methods: We used a single-group design with repeated measurements at baseline, postintervention, and 8-week follow-up.

Survey of US Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Comparison of the New Electronic Interferon Beta-1b Autoinjector (BETACONNECT™) With Mechanical Autoinjectors.

Introduction: Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) generally undergo long-term treatment with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). In the US, patients taking glatiramer acetate, interferon beta-1a, or interferon beta-1b, typically use a mechanical autoinjector. Recent survey results have shown that using an electronic autoinjector, such as BETACONNECT™ (Bayer Pharma AG) for interferon beta-1b/Betaseron (Bayer Pharma AG) may reduce injection discomfort and increase patient satisfaction with treatment.