Body Awareness, Trunk Stability, and Arm Function in MS

Investigation of the Relationship Between Body Awareness, Trunk Stabilization, and Upper Extremity Functionality in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between body awareness, trunk stabilization, and upper extremity functionality in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Hypotheses of the study:

H1: There is a significant relationship between body awareness and upper extremity functionality in patients with MS.

H2: There is a significant relationship between body awareness and trunk stabilization in patients with MS.

H3: Body awareness is reduced in patients with MS compared to healthy individuals.

H4: Trunk stabilization is reduced in patients with MS compared to healthy individuals.

H5: Upper extremity functionality is reduced in patients with MS compared to healthy individuals.

Patients' demographic and disease-specific information will be recorded. Subsequently, body awareness, upper extremity functionality, and trunk stabilization will be assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) by a neurologist according to the McDonald criteria

• Aged 18 years or older

• Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score ≤ 5

• Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24

  • A control group consisting of healthy individuals matched with MS patients in terms of age and sex

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a neurological disorder other than MS

• Having experienced a relapse and/or used corticosteroids in the past 3 months

• Having an orthopedic/systemic condition affecting the upper extremities or trunk

• Being pregnant

• Refusing to participate or not providing written informed consent

  • Healthy individuals who have an orthopedic/systemic condition affecting the upper extremities or trunk, who are pregnant, or who do not agree to participate and provide written informed consent will be excluded.