Cerebellar Volume Measures Differentiate Multiple Sclerosis Fallers from Non-Fallers.

Introduction: The cerebellum is a common lesion site in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Physiologic and anatomic studies have identified a topographic organization of the cerebellum including functionally distinct motor and cognitive areas. In this study, a recent parcellation algorithm was applied to a sample of PwMS and healthy controls to examine the relationships among specific cerebellar regions, fall status, and common clinical measures of motor and cognitive functions.

Cerebellar volume measures may differentiate multiple sclerosis fallers from non-fallers.

Introduction: The cerebellum is a common lesion site in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Physiologic and anatomic studies have identified a topographic organization of the cerebellum including functionally distinct motor and cognitive areas. This study implemented a recent parcellation algorithm developed by Han et al.

Lessons learned from clinical trials of exercise and physical activity in people with MS - guidance for improving the quality of future research.

The body of research on exercise and physical activity among persons with multiple sclerosis(MS) has expanded rapidly in quantity, but not necessarily quality, over the past 20+ years. There is evidence for beneficial effects of exercise and physical activity on immune cells and neurotrophic factors, brain structure and function, walking and cognitive performance, fatigue, depression, and pain, and quality of life among persons with MS. Nevertheless, there is heterogeneity in the outcomes of exercise and physical activity, and a recognition of substantial challenges for improving the effectiveness of those behaviors in MS.

Age-related increases in reaction time result from slower preparation, not delayed initiation.

Recent work indicates that healthy younger adults can prepare accurate responses faster than their voluntary reaction times would suggest, leaving a seemingly unnecessary delay of 80-100 ms before responding. Here, we examined how the preparation of movements, initiation of movements, and the delay between them are affected by aging. Participants made planar reaching movements in two conditions.

Pathways to cures for multiple sclerosis: A research roadmap.

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a growing global health challenge affecting nearly 3 million people. Progress has been made in the understanding and treatment of MS over the last several decades, but cures remain elusive. The National MS Society is focused on achieving cures for MS.

Cerebellar Contributions to Motor and Cognitive Control in Multiple Sclerosis.

Objective: To evaluate relationships between specific cerebellar regions and common clinical measures of motor and cognitive function in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Laboratory.

Sensorimotor outcomes in adrenomyeloneuropathy show significant disease progression.

Current outcomes used to evaluate adrenomyeloneuropathy are limited by rater bias, not sensitive to preclinical changes, and require years to decades to detect disease progression. Quantitative outcomes are needed that detect meaningful change in a short time period over a broad range of disability. The study aim was to track sensorimotor outcomes in adults with adrenomyeloneuropathy and evaluate differences in progression between men and women.

Research interrupted: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on multiple sclerosis research in the field of rehabilitation and quality of life.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has likely had a negative impact on rehabilitation and quality of life (QoL) research in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Method: We explored perceived barriers to research among 87 researchers, representing 18 countries, both prior to and since COVID-19.

Results: A Wilcoxon signed-rank test found that significantly more researchers reported experiencing barriers to research since the onset of the pandemic compared to pre-COVID-19 (p < .

Exercise leads to metabolic changes associated with improved strength and fatigue in people with MS.

Objective: The goal of this exploratory study was to evaluate the effects of an exercise intervention - progressive resistance training (PRT) on the metabolome of people with MS (pwMS) and to link these to changes in clinical outcomes.

Methods: 14 pwMS with EDSS <4.0 and 13 age- and sex-matched healthy controls completed a 12-week in-person PRT exercise intervention.

Prioritizing progressive MS rehabilitation research: A call from the International Progressive MS Alliance.

Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience myriad symptoms that negatively affect their quality of life. Despite significant progress in rehabilitation strategies for people living with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), the development of similar strategies for people with progressive MS has received little attention.

Objective: To highlight key symptoms of importance to people with progressive MS and stimulate the design and implementation of high-quality studies focused on symptom management and rehabilitation.

Combining Magnetization Transfer Ratio MRI and Quantitative Measures of Walking Improves the Identification of Fallers in MS.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) impacts balance and walking function, resulting in accidental falls. History of falls and clinical assessment are commonly used for fall prediction, yet these measures have limited predictive validity. Falls are multifactorial; consideration of disease-specific pathology may be critical for improving fall prediction in MS.

Exercise and lifestyle physical activity recommendations for people with multiple sclerosis throughout the disease course.

Objectives: To provide clinicians who treat multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with evidence-based or expert opinion-based recommendations for promoting exercise and lifestyle physical activity across disability levels.

Methods: The National MS Society ("Society") convened clinical and research experts in the fields of MS, exercise, rehabilitation, and physical activity to (1) reach consensus on optimal exercise and lifestyle physical activity recommendations for individuals with MS at disability levels 0-9.0 on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and (2) identify and address barriers/facilitators for participation.

Conducting dietary intervention trials in people with multiple sclerosis: Lessons learned and a path forward.

Disease course in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is heterogeneous. The impact of dietary and nutritional factors on MS prognosis is of interest to both patients and clinicians; differences in diet are hypothesized to contribute to disease evolution over time. However, studying diet, especially in people with MS, introduces methodologic complexity that should be recognized.

Longitudinal assessment of hand function in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Objective: Little is known about the frequency and severity of hand dysfunction in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Hence, we sought to determine the extent that quantitative tests of hand function detect changes over time, evaluate their relationship to global disability measures, and identify predictors of hand function.

Methods: One-hundred and forty-seven individuals with MS were included (96 women, 84 relapsing-remitting MS [RRMS]) along with 35 age-and-sex matched controls.

Quantitative vibratory sensation measurement is related to sensory cortical thickness in MS.

Objective: Vibratory sensation is a quantifiable measure of physical dysfunction and is often related to spinal cord pathology; however, its association with relevant brain areas has not been fully explored. Our objective was to establish a cortical structural substrate for vibration sensation.

Methods: Eighty-four individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) ( = 54 relapsing,  = 30 progressive) and 28 controls participated in vibratory sensation threshold quantification at the great toe and a 3T MRI evaluating volume of the thalamus and cortical thickness primary and secondary sensory cortices.

Randomized, Placebo-controlled Crossover Study of Dalfampridine Extended-release in Transverse Myelitis.

Background: Dalfampridine has the potential to be effective in patients with transverse myelitis (TM) as this rare disorder shares some clinical and pathogenic similarities with multiple sclerosis.

Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of dalfampridine extended-release (D-ER, Ampyra®). Sixteen adult study participants with monophasic TM confirmed by MRI were enrolled if their baseline timed 25-foot walking speed was between 5 and 60 seconds.

Distinguishing among multiple sclerosis fallers, near-fallers and non-fallers.

Background: Fall rates among adults with multiple sclerosis are consistently greater than 50%, but near-falls (i.e. a trip or stumble) are often undocumented.

Quantitative measures of walking and strength provide insight into brain corticospinal tract pathology in multiple sclerosis.

At least 85% of individuals with multiple sclerosis report walking dysfunction as their primary complaint. Walking and strength measures are common clinical measures to mark increasing disability or improvement with rehabilitation. Previous studies have shown an association between strength or walking ability and spinal cord MRI measures, and strength measures with brainstem corticospinal tract magnetization transfer ratio.

A Framework of Care in Multiple Sclerosis, Part 2: Symptomatic Care and Beyond.

The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) convened a Framework Taskforce composed of a multidisciplinary group of clinicians and researchers to examine and evaluate the current models of care in multiple sclerosis (MS). The methodology of this project included analysis of a needs assessment survey and an extensive literature review. The outcome of this work is a two-part continuing education series of articles.

Safety, Tolerability, and Sensorimotor Effects of Extended-release Dalfampridine in Adults With Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of dalfampridine extended release (D-ER) in a pilot study of adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and limited ambulatory ability, and to explore drug effects on sensorimotor function.

Methods: An initial double-blind, single-dose crossover study was performed in 11 individuals randomized 1:1 to receive D-ER (10 mg) or placebo, followed by a 2-day washout period and the opposite treatment, with evaluation for safety and tolerability. A twice daily dosing, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was then performed.