Article

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of 6 min of walking on
fatigue, exertion and spatiotemporal, kinematic and kinetic gait parameters in
people with multiple sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Thirty-four people with MS with
moderate levels of disability completed measures of fatigue, exertion and
instrumented gait analysis before and after 6-min trials of rest and walking
(using a modified 6-min walk test, m6MWT). Ten age- and gender-matched healthy
controls completed analysis before and after the m6MWT. RESULTS: The MS group had
a significant increase in self-reported fatigue following the m6MWT; however,
there was no effect on spatiotemporal gait parameters. During stance on the more
affected side ankle dorsiflexion at initial contact decreased, while knee and hip
flexor moments and hip power absorption increased. On the less affected side
ankle and knee power absorption, and hip extensor moment all increased. Healthy
controls showed increases in joint kinetics likely due to increased walking
speeds following m6MWT. CONCLUSION: For people with MS, ankle dorsiflexion angle
reduces at initial contact following walking induced fatigue, while increased
power absorption at the hip, knee and ankle indicate gait inefficiencies that may
contribute to higher levels of fatigue and exertion. Implications for
Rehabilitation The modified 6-min walk test (m6MWT) leads to significant
increases in self-reported fatigue and exertion in people with MS. Following the
m6MWT, there is significantly reduced ankle dorsiflexion angle at initial contact
in the more affected leg in people with MS. This reveals an important
walking-induced kinematic change that should be the target of future orthotic and
strengthening interventions. In people with MS, increased power absorption
primarily during the stance phase of gait following the m6MWT reveals important
walking-induced muscle weakness that should also be monitored in future
strengthening and gait retraining interventions.

Langue : ANGLAIS