Spinal Alignment, Spinal Mobility, and Balance in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Relationship Between Spinal Alignment, Spinal Mobility, and Balance in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination and axonal degeneration. Neuromuscular impairments associated with MS, including muscle weakness, spasticity, fatigue, and proprioceptive deficits, may lead to alterations in spinal posture and reduced spinal mobility. These changes can negatively affect trunk control, balance, respiratory function, and functional independence.

Although postural abnormalities and mobility limitations have been reported in individuals with MS, the relationship between spinal posture, spinal mobility, and balance remains insufficiently investigated. Therefore, this study aims to examine the associations between spinal posture, spinal mobility, and balance performance in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Improved understanding of these relationships may contribute to the development of targeted rehabilitation interventions aimed at enhancing postural control and functional outcomes in this population. This study further hypothesises that alterations in spinal posture and spinal mobility are associated with impaired balance performance in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS)
• Aged between 18 and 65 years
• EDSS score between 0.5 and 4.5
• Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥24

Exclusion Criteria:

• Receipt of corticosteroid treatment within the previous 4 weeks
• Presence of any additional neurological disorder
• Spasticity defined as a Modified Ashworth Scale score ≥3
• History of surgical intervention involving the lower extremities, spine, or abdominal region