Title | Corpus Callosum Structural Integrity Is Associated With Postural Control Improvement in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis Who Have Minimal Disability. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2017 |
Authors | Peterson DS, Gera G, Horak FB, Fling BW |
Journal | Neurorehabil Neural Repair |
Volume | 31 |
Issue | 4 |
Pagination | 343-353 |
Date Published | 2017 04 |
ISSN | 1552-6844 |
Keywords | Corpus Callosum, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Disability Evaluation, Female, Humans, Learning, Male, Middle Aged, Motor Activity, Multiple Sclerosis, Postural Balance, Severity of Illness Index, White Matter |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Improvement of postural control in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) is an important target for neurorehabilitation. Although PwMS are able to improve postural performance with training, the neural underpinnings of these improvements are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To understand the neural underpinnings of postural motor learning in PwMS. METHODS: Supraspinal white matter structural connectivity in PwMS was correlated with improvements in postural performance (balancing on an oscillating surface over 25 trials) and retention of improvements (24 hours later). RESULTS: Improvement in postural performance was directly correlated to microstructural integrity of white matter tracts, measured as radial diffusivity, in the corpus callosum, posterior parieto-sensorimotor fibers and the brainstem in PwMS. Within the corpus callosum, the genu and midbody (fibers connecting the prefrontal and primary motor cortices, respectively) were most strongly correlated to improvements in postural control. Twenty-four-hour retention was not correlated to radial diffusivity. CONCLUSION: PwMS who exhibited poorer white matter tract integrity connecting the cortical hemispheres via the corpus callosum showed the most difficulty learning to control balance on an unstable surface. Prediction of improvements in postural control through training (ie, motor learning) via structural imaging of the brain may allow for identification of individuals who are particularly well suited for postural rehabilitation interventions. |
DOI | 10.1177/1545968316680487 |
Alternate Journal | Neurorehabil Neural Repair |
PubMed ID | 27932696 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC5364036 |
Grant List | I01 RX001075 / RX / RRD VA / United States IK1 RX001480 / RX / RRD VA / United States R01 AG006457 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States |