Article

Analysis of vertical ground reaction force (GRF) symmetry may benefit people with
multiple sclerosis (PwMS) since it can detect important differences in gait
mechanics which have not previously been discussed in the related literature.
Therefore, the primary objective of the current study was to determine whether
symmetry of the vertical GRF during gait is associated with validated gait and
balance tests in PwMS. Additionally, we examined whether the symmetry of the
vertical GRF differs between MS fallers, non-fallers and between neurological
disability levels. Gait and balance data were collected from 402 PwMS (249 women)
with a mean age of 42.1 (S.D=14.1) years. Vertical GRF parameters were obtained
using the Zebris FDM-T Treadmill (Zebris Medical GmbH, Germany). Clinical gait
and balance tests included the 2 and 6-min Walk Test, Timed Up and Go Test, Timed
25 Foot Walk, Four Square Step Test, Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale
questionnaire, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and the Falls Efficacy Scale
International questionnaire.
The vertical GRF symmetry index score of the total
sample was 3.7 (SD=3.1). In terms of fall status, non-significant differences
were observed between the fallers and non-faller groups and between the
neurological disability subgroups. Non-significant correlation scores were found
between the vertical GRF symmetry index, all clinical walking and balance tests
and self-reported questionnaires. We suggest clinicians, especially those
involved in physical rehabilitation, accord low priority to this gait phenomenon
in the MS population.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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