The relationship between static posturography measures and specific cognitive domains in individuals with multiple sclerosis

There are still limitations as to the understanding of the cognitive-postural control relationship in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The aim of the current study' was to examine the relationship between cognition with measures of posturography in PwMS. The study was cross-sectional comprising 253 PwMS (162 women) with a mean age of 42.0 (SD=14.0). All participants completed a computerized cognitive test battery designed to evaluate multiple cognitive domains (Mindstreams; NeuroTrax) and static posturography tests (Zebris Medical GmbH). PwMS were divided into four levels of disability on the basis of their Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score: very mild (EDSS: 0-2.0), mild (EDSS: 2.5-3.5), moderate (EDSS: 4.0-5.5), and severe (EDSS: 6.0-6.5; using a walking aid). Significant correlations were observed between cognitive domains and posturography measures. However, the correlations were different between the disability subgroups. For the mild group, significant correlation scores were observed between the balance measures to the executive function and motor skills cognitive domains (Pearson's rho=similar to 0.3 and similar to 0.4, respectively). As for the moderate group, significant correlation scores were observed in memory and verbal function (Pearson's rho=similar to 0.4 and similar to 0.4, respectively). Attention was the only cognitive domain correlated significantly with posturography measures in the severe group (Pearson's rho=similar to 0.55). Our study found that posturography measures are related to cognition in PwMS. However, the associations vary in terms of cognitive domains and disability levels. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.