What's the matter with white matter? An evaluation of postural control mechanisms in multiple sclerosis
Date
2020
Authors
Richmond, Sutton B., author
Fling, Brett W., advisor
Peterson, Daniel, committee member
Leach, Heather, committee member
Burzynska, Agnieszka, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Interacting with environments that are constantly varying is difficult and, as bipedal mammals, keeping an upright posture requires a great deal of spatial and temporal acuity. The studies encompassing this doctoral dissertation provide mechanistic insight into the gait and balance of both neuro-typical and -atypical (i.e. people living with multiple sclerosis) adults to understand the neural underpinnings contributing to reduced locomotion and postural control, thereby increasing risks of falls and injury. Enhanced comprehension of the underlying mechanisms for postural control were attained through the abridgment of multiple scientific disciplines including biomechanics, neuromechanics, and neuroimaging to apply advanced concepts to identify biomarkers for future therapeutic interventions. The outcomes from this work demonstrate that, in comparison to neurotypical adults, the people with multiple sclerosis walked with a more conservative and asymmetric gait pattern regardless of speed or cognitive load. Poorer microstructural integrity of transcallosal sensorimotor white matter fiber tracts was strongly associated with these behavioral deficits, thereby establishing a structure-function relationship that comprised both static and dynamic postural control. Implications from this research provide a base of knowledge for how the brain successfully coordinates and controls movements, laying a foundation for future neurorehabilitation approaches that increase independence and overall quality of life.
Description
Rights Access
Subject
corpus callosum
multiple sclerosis
time-to-boundary
diffusion tensor imaging
bilateral coordination
Phase Coordination Index