 |
|
Gentle touch may aid multiple sclerosis patients
October 15, 2009While gripping, lifting or manipulating an object such as drinking from a cup or placing a book on a shelf is usually easy for most, it can be challenging for those with neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's, or for people who had a stroke. For them, the tight gripping can cause fatigue, making everyday tasks difficult.
A team of University of Illinois at Chicago physical therapists report this month in the journal Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair that persons with multiple sclerosis use excessive force when they are lifting objects. In an earlier finding reported in the journal Clinical Neurophysiology, they reported that regaining control and coordination may be as easy as applying a gentle touch to the affected hand from a finger of the opposite hand.
"We studied how this light touch application changes the way people apply force to an object they want to grip," said Alexander Aruin, professor of physical therapy. The study compared eight adults with multiple sclerosis to eight without the disease, gender-matched and of comparable age. "In each case, the grip force required to lift an object decreased," said Aruin.
He found similar results in an earlier study he did of people with arm weakness caused by a stroke.
Why the simple light finger touch application works so well is not fully understood, but Aruin offers a hypothesis.
"It could be due to auxiliary sensory information from the contra-lateral arm," he said. "When we use our second hand and touch the wrist of the target hand, available information to the central nervous system about the hand-object interaction may increase. Without the touch, the information needed to manipulate an object comes only through vision and sensory input from just the target arm and hand."
Aruin and his colleagues tested subjects griping and lifting a variety of objects that they moved in several different ways, directions and velocities. The gentle finger touch always helped to reduce grip force, making the task easier.
The UIC researcher said he and his colleagues plan to test the approach on those with other neurological and muscular diseases to examine the effects.
"We look forward to developing training and rehabilitation procedures on how to use this," said Aruin. "We know that MS patients are prone to fatigue and muscle weakness. This finding may enable them to perform daily activities more independently to improve their quality of life."
University of Illinois at Chicago
He found similar results in an earlier study he did of people with arm weakness caused by a stroke.
Why the simple light finger touch application works so well is not fully understood, but Aruin offers a hypothesis.
"It could be due to auxiliary sensory information from the contra-lateral arm," he said. "When we use our second hand and touch the wrist of the target hand, available information to the central nervous system about the hand-object interaction may increase. Without the touch, the information needed to manipulate an object comes only through vision and sensory input from just the target arm and hand."
Aruin and his colleagues tested subjects griping and lifting a variety of objects that they moved in several different ways, directions and velocities. The gentle finger touch always helped to reduce grip force, making the task easier.
The UIC researcher said he and his colleagues plan to test the approach on those with other neurological and muscular diseases to examine the effects.
"We look forward to developing training and rehabilitation procedures on how to use this," said Aruin. "We know that MS patients are prone to fatigue and muscle weakness. This finding may enable them to perform daily activities more independently to improve their quality of life."
University of Illinois at Chicago
Multiple Sclerosis Current Events and Multiple Sclerosis News RSSDrug studied as possible treatment for spinal injuries
Researchers have shown how an experimental drug might restore the function of nerves damaged in spinal cord injuries by preventing short circuits caused when tiny "potassium channels" in the fibers are exposed.
CSHL team solves structure of NMDA receptor unit that could be drug target for neurological diseases
A team of scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) reports on Thursday their success in solving the molecular structure of a key portion of a cellular receptor implicated in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other serious illnesses.
Men leave: Separation and divorce far more common when the wife is the patient
A woman is six times more likely to be separated or divorced soon after a diagnosis of cancer or multiple sclerosis than if a man in the relationship is the patient, according to a study that examined the role gender played in so-called "partner abandonment." The study also found that the longer the marriage the more likely it would remain intact.
Neurologists Investigate Possible New Underlying Cause of MS
Neurologists at the University at Buffalo are beginning a research study that could overturn the prevailing wisdom on the cause of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Scientists demonstrate link between genetic defect and brain changes in schizophrenia
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine have found that the 22q11 gene deletion - a mutation that confers the highest known genetic risk for schizophrenia - is associated with changes in the development of the brain that ultimately affect how its circuit elements are assembled.
Urate in blood and spinal fluid may predict slower decline in patients with Parkinson's disease
Higher concentration of urate (an antioxidant) in the blood and spinal fluid of patients with early Parkinson's disease is associated with slower rates of clinical decline.
Oxidized form of a common vitamin may bring relief for ulcerative colitis
New research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology finds retinoic acid may alleviate ulcerative colitis and similar irritable bowel diseases.
Visionary concept earns La Jolla Institute scientist prestigious NIH Pioneer Award
A scientist at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology has received one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)'s top awards -- the 2009 NIH Director's Pioneer Award.
Ben-Gurion University Alzheimer's researcher demonstrates specific immune response to vaccine
A researcher who is working on a vaccine for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has demonstrated that it is possible to test and measure specific immune responses in mice carrying human genes and to anticipate the immune response in Alzheimer's patients.
Master gene that switches on disease-fighting cells identified by scientists
The master gene that causes blood stem cells to turn into disease-fighting 'Natural Killer' (NK) immune cells has been identified by scientists, in a study published in Nature Immunology today.
More Multiple Sclerosis Current Events and Multiple Sclerosis News Articles
 |
The First Year: Multiple Sclerosis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed by Margaret Blackstone (Author), M.D. Saud A. Sadiq (Foreword) One of the most widely recommended guides to living with multiple sclerosis, now completely revised and updated, including the latest research, the most recent information on treatments (including the news on Tysabri®), and new tips for managing MS. Multiple sclerosis is as much a mystery as it is a disease, but this chronic and often disabling condition of the central nervous system affects over 400,000 people nationwide. From the moment of her diagnosis in 2000, Margaret Blackstone took charge and educated herself on every aspect of her condition. Now, as a "patient-expert," she guides those newly diagnosed step-by-step through their first year with MS. She provides crucial information about: The most up-to-date treatment options Effective alternative therapies Choosing the right... |
 |
Healing Multiple Sclerosis: Diet, Detox & Nutritional Makeover for Total Recovery by Ann Boroch (Author), Ann Louise Gittleman (Foreword) Multiple Sclerosis can now be healed and this book shows you how. Though MS is widely believed to be incurable, Boroch's breakthrough treatment protocol can dramatically restore patients to health. This landmark book describes her own tumultuous journey with MS: • Her quest for a cure • Case histories of those who have triumphed over MS • The real causes of MS • How to develop a personal treatment plan • Everything you need to bring about recovery, including a detailed and effective self-help treatment protocol • Delicious recipes and recommended foods, with two weeks of sample menus • A five-week nutritional makeover, recommended supplements and a daily sample supplement schedule • A list of recommended products • User-friendly charts and resources |
 |
The MS Recovery Diet by Ann Sawyer (Author), Judith Bachrach (Author) More than half a million people live with multiple sclerosis, yet conventional medicine still has little to offer patients. There is no known cure-and even recent breakthroughs in drug therapy do not work to control many of the symptoms or promise any degree of recovery. But there is an alternative to drugs that can stop and reverse the ravaging symptoms of MS-the MS Recovery Diet. As this book explains, there are five common food triggers that can set off the symptoms of MS-dairy, grains containing glutens, legumes, eggs, and yeast. Yet because MS is such a complex disease, other foods play a role, as culprits or aides. The MS Recovery Diet explains the background, science, and development of this treatment in one source for the first time, and shows readers how to pinpoint their... |
 |
Multiple Sclerosis Q & A: Researching Answers to Frequently Asked Questions by Beth Ann Hill (Author) An insightful, informative, and empathic resource for learning to live well with multiple sclerosis. This comprehensive yet accessible work provides authoritative and reassuring answers to the many questions that overwhelm those undergoing testing and treatment for multiple sclerosis. It discusses traditional and complementary therapies for MS; explains medical terminology and diagnostics; and compassionately addresses the lifestyle changes many patients face while learning to manage this chronic and potentially debilitating disorder. |
 |
Multiple Sclerosis For Dummies (For Dummies (Health & Fitness)) by Rosalind Kalb Ph.D. (Author), Nancy Holland RN EdD MSCN (Author), Barbara Giesser MD (Author), David L. Lander (Foreword) Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) doesn’t have to mean your life is over. Everyone’s MS is different and no one can predict exactly what yours will be like. The fact is, lots of people live their lives with MS without making a full-time job of it. MS for Dummies gives you easy to access, easy to understand information about what happens with MS—what kinds of symptoms it can cause, how it can affect your life at home and at work, what you can do to feel and function up to snuff, and how you can protect yourself and your family against the long-term unpredictability of the disease. You'll learn: Why some people get MS and others don’t How to make treatment and lifestyle choices that work for you What qualities to look for in a... |
 |
Curing MS (Multiple Sclerosis) by Howard L. Weiner, M.D. - 320 Page Paperback Book by Howard L. Weiner, M.D. Dr. Howard Weiner has spent nearly three decades trying to find answers to the mysteries of multiple sclerosis, an utterly confounding and debilitating disease that afflicts almost half a million Americans. Curing MS is his moving, personal account of the long-term scientific quest to pinpoint the origins of the disease and to find a breakthrough treatment for its victims.Dr. Weiner has been at the cutting edge of MS research and drug development, and he describes in clear and illuminating detail the science behind the symptoms and how new drugs may hold the key to "taming the monster." From the "Twenty-one Points" of MS--a concise breakdown of the knowns and unknowns of the disease--to stories from the frontlines of laboratories and hospitals, Curing MS offers a message of hope about new... |
 |
Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Multiple Sclerosis by M.D. Allen C. Bowling Ph.D (Author) The first edition of this authoritative book quickly became the single source for accurate and unbiased information on complementary and alternative medicine approaches for the management of MS symptoms. The second edition, completely updated throughout, reflects advances in the field since the book’s initial publication in 2001. Therapies are organized alphabetically so that readers can easily pinpoint a specific treatment and learn about its origins, merits, and possible uses in MS. In-depth discussions cover Naltrexone, acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic medicine, cooling therapy, yoga, diets, the use of supplements, herbs, vitamins, and minerals, and many other topics. This invaluable guide alerts MS patients and their families to new options for relief when conventional... |
 |
Exercises for Multiple Sclerosis: A Safe and Effective Program to Fight Fatigue, Build Strength, and Improve Balance by Brad Hamler (Author) Fight the impact of MS through fitness with specially designed exercises. In the U.S. alone, approximately 400,000 people have multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. There are a variety of symptoms of MS and it affects people in different ways, but there is no cure. Fitness can help strengthen debilitated bodies, and make living with the disease a little easier. Exercises for Multiple Sclerosis outlines a detailed exercise plan that can help MS sufferers overcome their symptoms, especially fatigue and mobility problems. The latest book in the popular Exercises for series, Exercises for Multiple Sclerosis provides a tested program for people living with MS, making it an essential reference for anyone who suffers from... |
 |
MS and Your Feelings: Handling the Ups and Downs of Multiple Sclerosis by Allison Shadday LCSW (Author), Stanley Cohan (Foreword) MS and Your Feelings is the first book to specifically address the emotional pain caused by the unpredictable, disabling chronic inflammatory condition multiple sclerosis. Psychotherapist and MS patient Allison Shadday offers readers effective strategies for dealing with the psychological trauma of this disease. Shadday shares real-life MS success stories and gives insightful professional advice derived from years of counseling hundreds of chronically ill patients. Her book offers readers hope, inspiration and validation, teaching them how to come to terms with an MS diagnosis; strategies for identifying and managing stress triggers; ways to cope with fear, guilt, anger, loss, depression, and isolation; steps to enhance intimacy and develop a greater sense of emotional security; and more.... |
 |
Multiple Sclerosis: New Hope and Practical Advice for People with MS and Their Families by Louis Rosner (Author), Shelley Ross (Author) The most trusted book on multiple sclerosis, updated and revised with the latest research in combating the disease Once known as the "crippler of young adults," now more than 75 percent of MS patients will never need a wheelchair. In Multiple Sclerosis, Dr. Louis J. Rosner and Shelley Ross explain that there genuinely is new hope, more than ever before, both for controlling the disease today and curing it tomorrow. Updated with the latest research and terminology, this revised edition gets to the bottom of every treatment option from the tried-and-true to today's cutting-edge and experimental therapies. Its trusted advice covers every step of living with MS, what you need to know, and what you need to ask. Dr. Louis Rosner and Shelley Ross explain what the disease is, who gets it and... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |