Muscle Properties in Women with Multiple Sclerosis
Author Information
Author(s): Cruz-Medel Inés, Peña-Toledo María Ángeles, Alburquerque-Sendín Francisco, Rodrigues-de-Souza Daiana Priscila, Conde-Gavilán Cristina, Jover-Sánchez Ana María, Carmona-Medialdea Claudia, Agüera-Morales Eduardo
Primary Institution: Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Cordoba, Spain
Hypothesis
Women with MS exhibit altered mechanical properties in both the pelvic floor muscles and lumbar muscles, including reduced strength, elasticity, and coordination, due to the neurological damage associated with MS.
Conclusion
Women with MS have lower muscle tone and stiffness and increased elasticity in pelvic floor muscles compared to women without MS.
Supporting Evidence
- Women with MS showed significant differences in pelvic floor muscle properties compared to women without MS.
- Altered muscle properties may contribute to symptoms like incontinence in women with MS.
- Correlation patterns between muscle properties and clinical characteristics differed by group.
Takeaway
Women with multiple sclerosis have weaker pelvic floor muscles than women who don't have the disease, which can lead to problems like incontinence.
Methodology
This cross-sectional observational study included 22 women with MS and 22 age- and BMI-matched women without MS, assessing muscle properties using a MyotonPRO device.
Potential Biases
Selection bias and recall bias may affect the validity of the results.
Limitations
The sample size may affect the statistical power and generalizability of the findings, and the use of subjective questionnaires may introduce variability.
Participant Demographics
22 women with MS and 22 age- and BMI-matched women without MS.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.006
Confidence Interval
95% CI [2.12, 4.41]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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