Upper Limb Sensory-Motor Control During Exposure to Different Mechanical Environments in Multiple Sclerosis Subjects With No Clinical Disability

• DOI: 10.3389/fnbot.2022.920118
• Publication Date: 2022-07-11T07:20:16Z
• Authors: Camilla Pierella; Laura Pellegrino; Margit Muller; Matilde Inglese; Claudio Solaro; Martina Coscia; Maura Casadio
• Keywords: Motor Control

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and neurodegenerative disease resulting in motor impairments associated with muscle weakness lack of movement coordination. The goal this work was to quantify upper limb deficits asymptomatic MS subjects a robot-based assessment including performance synergies analysis. A total 7 (MS: 3 M-4 F; 42 ± 10 years) clinically definite according McDonald criteria, but no clinical disability, age- sex-matched without history neurological disorders participated the study. All controlled cursor on computer screen by moving their hand or applying forces 8 coplanar directions at self-selected speed. They grasped handle robotic planar manipulandum that generated four different environments: null, assistive resistive forces, rigid constraint. Simultaneously, activity 15 body muscles recorded. Asymptomatic less smooth accurate trajectories than control controlling force profile, while end-point error significantly also other environments. EMG analysis revealed activation patterns when exerting isometric presence external robot. While two populations had same number similar structure synergies, they profiles. These results suggested task requiring against environment allows better tasks detect early sensory-motor signs related onset symptoms multiple differentiate between stages disease.