Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate reported fatigue levels and gait deficits in patients with
multiple sclerosis (MS) to determine the relationships that may exist between
fatigue in patients with MS and alterations in gait mechanics. DESIGN:
Cross-sectional. SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects with MS
(n=32) and age- and sex-matched controls (n=30). INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN
OUTCOME MEASURES: Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Modified Fatigue Index Scale
(MFIS), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) to assess fatigue and
general health. Biomechanical gait analysis was performed to measure peak joint
torques and powers in the sagittal plane at the ankle, knee, and hip.
Correlations were performed between fatigue measures and degree of deficit within
each patient with MS for each joint torque and power measure. RESULTS: FSS score
significantly correlated with deficits in ankle power generation at late stance
and walking velocity. MFIS score significantly correlated with deficits in peak
knee extensor torque and knee power absorption at early stance. SF-36 subscale
scores correlated with several joint torque and power variables. CONCLUSIONS:
Subjective fatigue rating scale scores alone should not be used as an indicator
of motor disability or disease progression as it affects walking performance of
patients with MS.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS