Publications

• The MyotonPRO is invaluable for assessing muscle function in various clinical populations, including those with neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis. It offers objective, reproducible, and real-time measurements, making it an essential tool for evaluating subtle changes in muscle properties over time.
• By providing detailed, quantitative data, the MyotonPRO contributes to a deeper understanding of muscle impairments, facilitates early detection of dysfunction, and supports the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.

Background/Objectives: To compare the lumbopelvic muscle mechanical properties (MMPs) of women with and without multiple sclerosis (MS) and explore relationships between these properties and sociodemographic/clinical characteristics.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 22 women with MS and 22 age- and BMI-matched women without MS. MMPs (frequency, stiffness, decrement, relaxation, and creep) of pelvic floor and lumbar paravertebral muscles were assessed using a MyotonPRO device. Sociodemographic and clinical data related to pelvic floor health were also collected.

Results: Women with MS showed significant differences in pelvic floor MMPs, including higher frequency (3.26 Hz; 95% CI [2.12, 4.41]), stiffness (90 N/m; 95% CI [55.09, 124.91]), and decrement (0.2; 95% CI [0.09, 0.31]), and lower relaxation (6.15 ms; 95% CI [8.26, 4.05]) and creep (0.24; 95% CI [0.34, 0.13]) compared to women without MS. For lumbar paravertebral muscles, differences were observed only on the right side, with lower frequency (2.15 Hz; 95% CI [0.28, 4.02]) and stiffness (62.17 N/m; 95% CI [10.7, 113.65]) in women with MS. Correlation patterns between MMPs and clinical characteristics differed by group, with moderate correlations found only in the MS group (e.g., EDSS: r = 0.57; p = 0.006; PFDI-20: r = 0.47; p = 0.026).

Conclusions: Women with MS exhibit altered pelvic floor MMPs, characterized by reduced tone and stiffness and increased elasticity and viscoelasticity, while lumbar paravertebral differences are minimal. These findings highlight the need for objective MMP assessments in women with MS to guide preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Figure 1. Measurement of the MMPs in the right area of the PF.

Keywords: lumbar paravertebral muscles, MyotonPRO device, pelvic floor muscles, multiple sclerosis

The MMPs of the PF on both sides of women with MS have lower tone and stiffness and increased elasticity and viscoelastic properties than women without MS. There were fewer differences in the MMPs of the lumbar paravertebral muscles in these women, with greater tone and stiffness on the right side in women who did not have MS. Finally, there was a moderate positive correlation between the MMPs of the PF of women with MS and clinical data related to pelvic floor dysfunction (which is not seen in healthy women) and the EDSS score, as well as a relationship between age and the MMPs of the lumbar paravertebral musculature in both groups. Thus, it is important to conduct an objective evaluation of the pelvic floor muscle properties in women with multiple sclerosis. This would enable the development of tailored preventive treatments and the ongoing assessment of their effectiveness in improving muscle function and overall quality of life.