Article

There are relatively few reports describing gait patterns in multiple
sclerosis (MS) and most are confined to the analysis of temporal distance
parameters with some assessment of joint range of motion. The aim of this study
was to perform a biomechanical characterisation of gait patterns among people
with MS across a wide range of severity of ambulatory impairment.
Sixteen patients with MS were recruited for this study. Initially, the spasticity
of lower limb muscle groups was measured and ambulatory ability was graded.
Patients were then placed in two groups based on the level of severity of
ambulatory ability. Kinematic, kinetic and EMG gait data from both MS groups were
then compared to a control group of 10 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Patients with
MS in both groups were found to walk with reduced gait speed, reduced maximum hip
and knee extension, ankle plantarflexion angle and propulsive force compared to
the control group. In general, the same gait impairments were found in both MS
groups compared to the control group, and were greater for the more severely
affected MS patient group. INTERPRETATION: This study highlights typical gait
patterns of people with MS and provides an indication of common pathways in the
degeneration of ambulatory ability as a consequence of disease progression. This
information should enable improved clinical treatment of ambulation, as well as
the prescription, or even design, of appropriate assistive devices.

Langue : ANGLAIS