Article

BACKGROUND: To improve walking in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), it is
essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of walking. This study examined
strategies in net joint power generated or absorbed by hip flexors, hip
extensors, hip abductors, knee extensors, and plantar flexors in mildly disabled
persons with MS and healthy controls at different walking speeds. METHODS:
Thirteen persons with MS and thirteen healthy controls participated and peak net
joint power was calculated using 3D motion analysis. RESULTS: In general, no
differences were found between speed-matched healthy controls and persons with
MS, but the fastest walking speed was significantly higher in healthy controls
(2.42 m/s vs. 1.70 m/s). The net joint power increased in hip flexors, hip
extensors, hip abductors, knee extensors and plantar flexors in both groups, when
walking speed increased. Significant correlations between changes in walking
speed and changes in net joint power of plantar flexors, hip extensors and hip
flexors existed in healthy controls and persons with MS, and in net knee extensor
absorption power of persons with MS only.
CONCLUSION: In contrast to previous studies, these findings suggest that mildly disabled persons with MS used similar
kinetic strategies as healthy controls to increase walking speed.

Langue : ANGLAIS