Article

The literature shows inconsistent evidence regarding the association between
clinically assessed plantar-flexor (PF) spasticity and walking function in
ambulatory persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The use of a dynamometer-based
spasticity measure (DSM) may help to clarify this association. Our cohort
included 42 pwMS (27 female,
15 male; age: 42.9 +/- 10.1 yr) with mild clinical
disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale score: 3.6 +/- 1.6). PF spasticity
was assessed using a clinical measure, the modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), and an
instrumented measure, the DSM. Walking function was assessed by the timed 25-foot
walk test (T25FWT), the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and the 12-item Multiple
Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12). Spearman rho correlations were used to
evaluate relationships between spasticity measures, measures of walking speed and
endurance, and self-perceived limitations in walking. The correlation was small
between PF spasticity and the T25FWT (PF maximum [Max] MAS rho = 0.27, PF Max DSM
rho = 0.26), the 6MWT (PF Max MAS rho = -0.20, PF Max DSM rho = -0.21), and the
MSWS-12 (PF Max MAS rho = 0.11, PF Max DSM rho = 0.26). Our results are similar
to reports in other neurologic clinical populations, wherein spasticity has a
limited association with walking dysfunction.

Langue : ANGLAIS