Article

Static posture imbalance and gait dysfunction are common in
individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Although the impact of strength and
static balance on walking has been examined, the impact of dynamic standing
balance on walking in MS remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of
dynamic balance, static balance, sensation, and strength measures on walking in
individuals with MS. METHODS: Fifty-two individuals with MS (27 women; 26
relapsing-remitting; mean age = 45.6 +/- 10.3 years; median Expanded Disability
Status Scale score = 3.5) participated in posturography testing (Kistler-9281
force plate), hip flexion, hip extension, ankle dorsiflexion strength (Microfet2
hand-held dynamometer), sensation (Vibratron II), and walk velocity (Optotrak
Motion Analysis System). Analyses included, Mann-Whitney, Spearman correlation
coefficients, and multiple regression. RESULTS: All measures were abnormal in
individuals with MS when compared with norms (P < .05). Static balance (eyes
open, feet together [EOFT]), anterior-posterior (AP) dynamic sway, and hip
extension strength were strongly correlated with walking velocity (AP sway r =
0.68; hip extension strength r = 0.73; EOFT r = -0.40). Together, AP dynamic sway
(rhor = 0.71; P < .001), hip extension strength (rhor = 0.54; P < .001), and EOFT
static balance (rhor = -0.41; P = .01) explained more than 70% of the variance in
walking velocity (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: AP dynamic sway affects walking
performance in MS. A combined evaluation of dynamic balance, static balance, and
strength may lead to a better understanding of walking mechanisms and the
development of strategies to improve walking.
CI - (c) The Author(s) 2014.

Langue : ANGLAIS