Relationship Between Pain, Anxiety and Fatigue and Knee Position Sense, Balance and Dual Task Performance During Menstrual Cycle in Females With Multiple Sclerosis

The Relationship Between Pain, Anxiety and Fatigue and Knee Position Sense, Balance and Dual Task Performance During Menstrual Cycle in Females With Multiple Sclerosis

This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between pain, anxiety and fatigue and knee position sense, balance and dual task performance during menstrual cycle in females with Multiple Sclerosis (FwMS).

In the neurologic group, especially in MS patients, it is well known that disease activity, course, and symptoms can be influenced by the menstrual cycle. Previous studies have reported that the fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle may have an effect on several neurological functions. Menstrual-related symptomatology has primarily been studied as a physiological phenomenon. Increased neurological symptoms, physical disorders and behavioral changes have been reported just before or at the beginning of menstruation in FwMS.

For all these reasons,investigators think that relationship between pain, anxiety and fatigue and knee position sense, balance and dual task performance during menstrual cycle in FwMS.

Inclusion Criteria:

The inclusion criteria were as follows: patients with a confirmed diagnosis of MS according to the McDonald criteria, physician-administered Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) range of 1-3.5, having regular menstrual cycle (between 21-35 days), and cognitive levels to give history and following the instructions.

Exclusion Criteria:

The exclusion criteria were: patients with acute attacks and using corticosteroid (three months prior to the study), taking oral contraceptive agents, and history of orthopedic lower extremity problems or other neurological disorders.