Article

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between lower
limb muscular deficiencies and postural and gait capacities. DESIGN:
Observational study. SUBJECTS: A total of 26 patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth
disease and 19 health-matched healthy subjects.
METHODS: Barefoot gait and
postural control were analysed using a walking mat and a force platform,
respectively. Muscular strength of the plantar and dorsal ankle flexors were
assessed using the Medical Research Council scale. RESULTS: Gait parameters
correlated with both dorsal- and plantar-flexors strength, whereas postural
parameters correlated only with plantar-flexors strength. More particularly,
patients with a weak deficit of the plantar-flexor muscles were characterized by
normal postural control except along the antero-posterior axis. For gait control,
the overall pattern defined from the gait cycle division was preserved, whereas
other spatio-temporal parameters were impaired, and more so in patients with a
high level of deficit of the plantar-flexor muscles. CONCLUSION: These data
highlight behaviour differences in standardized tasks, such as standing still
upright or gait. Improved knowledge of postural and gait capacities may
constitute a basis to emphasize the corrections that should be enabled by
rehabilitation exercises or orthotic devices.

Langue : ANGLAIS