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01-06-2018 | Original Communication

Effects of motor rehabilitation on mobility and brain plasticity in multiple sclerosis: a structural and functional MRI study

Authors: Eleonora Tavazzi, Niels Bergsland, Davide Cattaneo, Elisa Gervasoni, Maria Marcella Laganà, Ottavia Dipasquale, Cristina Grosso, Francesca Lea Saibene, Francesca Baglio, Marco Rovaris

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 6/2018

Abstract

Background

Rehabilitation seems to promote brain plasticity, but objective measures of efficacy are lacking and there is a limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying functional recovery.

Objective

To study functional and structural brain changes induced by gait rehabilitation.

Methods

We enrolled MS inpatients (EDSS 4.5–6.5) undergoing a 4-week neurorehabilitation. Several clinical measures were obtained, including: 2-min walk test (2MWT), dynamic gait index (DGI), Berg balance scale (BBS). Furthermore, motor-task functional MRI (fMRI) of plantar dorsiflexion, resting state fMRI, and regional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics were obtained. All the assessments were performed at baseline (T0), after the end of the rehabilitation period (T1) and 3 months later (T2).

Results

Twenty-nine patients were enrolled at T0, 26 at T1, and 16 completed all timepoints. At T1, there was a significant improvement of 2MWT, DGI, and BBS scores, along with a reduced extent of the widespread activation related to the motor task at the fMRI and an increased functional connectivity in the precentral and post-central gyrus, bilaterally. None of these changes were maintained at T2.

Conclusions

Our findings show a short-term beneficial effect of motor rehabilitation on gait performances in MS, accompanied by brain functional reorganization in the sensory-motor network.

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Title: Effects of motor rehabilitation on mobility and brain plasticity in multiple sclerosis: a structural and functional MRI study
Authors: Eleonora Tavazzi
Niels Bergsland
Davide Cattaneo
Elisa Gervasoni
Maria Marcella Laganà
Ottavia Dipasquale
Cristina Grosso
Francesca Lea Saibene
Francesca Baglio
Marco Rovaris
Publication date: 01-06-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 6/2018
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-018-8859-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of motor rehabilitation on mobility and brain plasticity in multiple sclerosis: a structural and functional MRI study

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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