Article

Energy cost of walking (C(w)) is elevated in persons with multiple
sclerosis (MS), perhaps because of gait impairment, and may impact daily activity
and fatigue. The authors examined for associations between C(w),
spatiotemporal gait parameters, daily activity, and perceived fatigue in persons
with mild MS. METHODS: Forty-four participants completed 4 trials of walking on a
GAITRite mat and one 6-minute trial of walking on a treadmill at a constant,
controlled speed of 54 m min(-1) while expired gases were analyzed for oxygen
consumption. Participants also completed the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and
wore a waist-mounted accelerometer for 7 days. RESULTS: C (w) was significantly
and inversely associated with gait speed (r = -.25) and stride length (r = -.32)
and positively associated with double limb support (r = .27).
C (w) was
significantly and inversely associated with daily accelerometer activity counts
(r = -.35) and positively associated with FSS scores (rho = .31). CONCLUSION:
The results support the development and application of rehabilitation strategies to
address impaired gait parameters as an approach to improve C(w), daily activities, and fatigue.

Langue : ANGLAIS