Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate muscle strength, balance control and gait capacity in
patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to study the correlations between these
parameters. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty MS patients were evaluated in terms of
knee muscle strength, gait and balance parameters. These evaluations were
performed using an isokinetic dynamometer (the Cybex II((R))), a Bessou gait
analyzer and a Satel((R)) force platform, respectively. The patients' results
were compared with those of a healthy control group. RESULTS: Hamstring and
quadriceps peak torque values were lower in the MS group than in the control
group. The sway area was greater in the MS group under eyes-open and eyes-closed
conditions. The MS patients displayed lower gait speed, cadence and stride
length. Hamstring and quadriceps strength values were significantly correlated
with posture and gait parameters. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed the
value of an overall evaluation of knee muscle strength, gait and posture in MS
patients.
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Langue : ANGLAIS