Abstract Details

Title The Extent of the Relationship between Sleep Disturbances and walking ability in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Topic Multiple Sclerosis

Presentation(s) P5 - Poster Session 5 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 15-096

Objective To examine the relationship between sleep quality and gait parameters in individuals with MS.

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in diverse clinical manifestations including walking difficulties. Despite the fact that disturbances of sleep are among the most common and disabling manifestation of MS, to our knowledge, no study has examined the association between sleep quality and mobility measures. Previous studies suggested that sleep deficits provoke cognitive changes, fatigue and depression. Because these factors have been associated with unsafe walking, we hypothesized that sleep deficits are associated with poorer walking in people with MS.

Design/Methods An observational cross-sectional design was used in this study to explore the association between sleep disturbances and gait measures. 38 participants with relapsing remitting MS were evaluated. Gait was assessed using an inertial measurement unit. Sleep status was evaluated using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as well as objective measures derived from sleep monitor (Acti-watch).

Results 38 subjects completed the assessment in this study (Age: 36.0±9.2 years). All participants reported poor sleep quality (PSQI >5). Sleep efficiency and waking after sleep onset (WASO) as measured by acti-watch were significantly correlated with stride length (R=0.34, p=.03; R= -0.37, p=0.02, for sleep efficiency and WASO, respectively). Sleep latency was found to be negatively correlated with (stride length standard deviation); a reflection of gait variability (R= -0.37, p=0.02).

Conclusions Poor sleep quality is associated with reduced stride length and increased stride length variability. Sleep assessment should be considered for MS individuals. Interventions to improve sleep quality and consequently gait performance are probably essential and warrant further investigation.

Authors/Disclosures
Khalid I. El-Salem, MD, FAAN (Jordan University of Science and Technology) PRESENTER	Dr. El-Salem has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file
Duha M. Al-Shorafat, MD (Toronto Western Hospital)	Dr. Al-Shorafat has nothing to disclose.
	No disclosure on file
	No disclosure on file

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