Lumbopelvic Muscle Mechanical Properties in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Case-Controlled Study

Lumbopelvic Muscle Mechanical Properties in Women with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Case-Controlled Study

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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 Knee Support 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 LED Modules/Displays 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.