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Is the triple stimulation technique a better quantification tool of motor dysfunction than motor evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis?

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Abstract

The triple stimulation technique (TST) was rarely used in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to compare TST and motor evoked potentials (MEP) for the quantification of motor dysfunction. Central motor conduction based on MEP (four limbs) and TST (upper limbs) was assessed in 28 MS patients with a median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of 4. EDSS, timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), grasping strength and motor components of the MS functional composite were evaluated. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between MEP, TST and clinical findings. TST was negatively correlated with EDSS (r = − 0.74, p < 0.0001) and to a lesser extent with T25FW (r = − 0.47, p < 0.05), and grasping strength (r = − 0.43, p < 0.05). A multiple regression analysis underlined the better correlation between clinical data and TST (R2 = 0.56, p < 0.0005) than with MEP (0.03 < R2 < 0.22, p > 0.05). This study evidenced the value of TST as a quantification tool of motor dysfunction. TST appeared to reflect a global disability since it was correlated not only to hand function but also to walking capacity.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the patients who participated in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Liege, Rue Grandfosse 31-33, 4130, Esneux, Belgium

    Xavier Giffroy & Dominique Dive

  2. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of Liege, B35, 4000, Liège, Belgium

    Xavier Giffroy, Jean-François Kaux, Catherine Göbels & François Wang

  3. Department of Biostatistics and Medico-Economic Information, University Hospital (CHU, ULg) of Liege, B35, 4000, Liège, Belgium

    Nathalie Maes & Adelin Albert

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  1. Xavier Giffroy
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Correspondence to Xavier Giffroy.

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All procedures performed in this study were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

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Giffroy, X., Dive, D., Kaux, JF. et al. Is the triple stimulation technique a better quantification tool of motor dysfunction than motor evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis?. Acta Neurol Belg 119, 47–54 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-018-1001-1

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