Article

There is a general consensus relating to the multidimensional aspects of fatigue
in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), however, the exact impact of this
symptom on gait is not fully understood. Our primary aim was to examine the
relationship between definite parameters of gait with self-reported symptomatic
fatigue in PwMS according to their level of neurological impairment.
Spatio-temporal parameters of gait were studied using an electronic walkway. The
Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) questionnaire, a patient-rated measure
of walking ability was collected. The Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS)
questionnaire was used to determine the level of symptomatic fatigue. One hundred
and one PwMS (61 women) were included in the study analysis. Subjects were
divided into mild and moderate neurological impaired groups. Fatigue was
correlated with 5 (out of 14) spatiotemporal parameters. However, correlation
scores were all <0.35, thus considered as weak correlations. In the mild group,
the double support period was the only variable positively correlated to fatigue
(Spearman's rho=0.28, P=0.05). In the moderate group, step and stride length were
solely negatively correlated to fatigue (Spearman's rho=0.32, P=0.03). In
contrast to the definite gait parameters, the MSWS-12 self-questionnaire was
moderately positively correlated to the level of fatigue.
Scores for the total,
mild and moderate groups were 0.54, 0.57 and 0.51; P<0.01, respectively. The
present results indicate that modifications in spatio-temporal parameters of gait
are not closely related to symptomatic fatigue in PwMS.
On the contrary, the
self-reported MSWS-12 questionnaire is predisposed to level of fatigue in PwMS.
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Langue : ANGLAIS