The Effect of the Activation of the Core Muscles on Tremor in a Patient with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Trunk stabilization is important in providing postural control and extremity movements, and is maintained by the muscles called core. Objective: The aim of this report was to demonstrate the effect of core muscles contraction on upper extremity tremor. Materials and Methods: A 22-year-old Multiple Sclerosis patient with right extremity ataxia was included in this report. Scale of Assessment and Rating Ataxia (SARA), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Accelerometric Tremorogram and Purdue Peg Board Test (PPBT) were performed. Assessments were made with and without the core muscles contraction. Results: The total score of SARA decreased from 16 to 14 due to the reduction of dysmetria and tremor scores. Tremor amplitude decreased with contraction in tremorogram. At the 1st position, the tremor amplitude changed from -14.6 before the contraction to -18.3 after the contraction. At position 2, 6 Hz tremor was disappeared with contraction. In the PPBT, ataxic extremity performance increased from 5 to 7. Conclusion: Contraction of core muscles reduced postural tremor and improved upper extremity performance. It should be considered planning the training program of ataxic MS patients.