Article

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the precision of the steady-state isometric control of the
ankle plantarflexors musculature of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), and
to evaluate if the precision is related to the mobility impairments. METHODS:
Individuals with MS and healthy adults performed a submaximal steady-state
isometric contraction with the ankle plantarflexors.
The coefficient of variation
was used to assess the amount of variability or error in the precision of the
torques generated by the ankle plantarflexor musculature.
The participants also
walked across a digital mat at their preferred and fast-as-possible walking
speeds, which recorded their spatiotemporal gait kinematics. RESULTS: The
individuals with MS: (1) had reduced maximal voluntary torques at the ankle, (2)
a greater amount of variability in the precision of the isometric ankle torques,
(3) altered and more variable spatiotemporal gait kinematics, and (4) a greater
amount of variability in the isometric ankle torques were related to a slower
walking speed and cadence, shorter step length and a greater amount of gait
variability. CONCLUSIONS: These results further fuels the impression that a
reduction in control of the ankle joint musculature may be a key factor in the
mobility and balance impairments seen in individuals with MS.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS