Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine how postural sway is affected in people with spastic
paraparesis (pwSP) and the impact of different impairments. METHODS: In 20 pwSP
and 18 matched healthy controls standing postural sway was measured with eyes
open and closed. Vibration threshold, isometric ankle and hip muscle strength and
ankle stiffness with the participant at rest or preactivating the muscle was
measured. RESULTS: Antero-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) sway was higher
in pwSP. Muscle strength was reduced and ankle stiffness increased in pwSP.
Increased vibratory threshold was seen in 35% of participants. Higher total ankle
stiffness (R2=0.44) was associated with lower AP sway with eyes open whilst hip
abductor weakness was associated with increased ML sway with eyes open (R2=0.36)
or closed (R2=0.47) or AP sway with the eyes closed (R2=0.48). CONCLUSIONS: The
degree of postural sway was related to muscle paresis of the hip abductors
particularly in the ML direction and under conditions of reduced sensory input.
People with higher total ankle stiffness have less AP sway suggesting that this
may help to stabilise the body.
CI - Crown Copyright (c) 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS