Article

The purpose of this study was to investigate core muscle characteristics during
walking in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Eight patients (4 men) with
relapsing-remitting MS (aged 44.9 +/- 8.6 yr) and sex-matched controls (37.9 +/-
8.4 yr) walked on a treadmill for 15 min at a self-selected speed. Positron
emission tomography/computed tomography imaging was used to measure core muscle
activity immediately after walking based on glucose uptake. Activity was not
different between the MS and control group for any of the identified muscles (p >
0.28). Within the MS group, side differences in activity were identified in the
lateral flexor group, the external and internal obliques, and the rectus
abdominis (p < 0.05), with the less-affected side being activated more.
Furthermore, greater muscle volume was found on the more-affected side of the
transversus abdominis, quadratus lumborum, and the low-back extensor group (p <
0.03). These muscle characteristics suggest patients with MS utilize compensatory
mechanisms during walking to maintain balance and posture. These strategies
likely result in increased muscle energy cost and early fatigability.

Langue : ANGLAIS