Article

Abnormalities in gait kinematics in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) who
have mild disability have been noted using motion capture systems. However, it is
not clear if these abnormalities can be detected with clinically feasible
technology. This investigation examined if the spatiotemporal markers of gait
including variability metrics can distinguish between PwMS with minimal
disability and controls with clinically feasible technology.
43 PwMS with minimal
disability and 43 healthy controls completed four walking trials along a 26 foot
long pressure sensitive pathway (GAITRite). Spatiotemporal markers of gait
including variability metrics were determined. Statistical analysis revealed that
PwMS walked slower, with fewer, shorter, wider steps and spent a greater
percentage of a gait cycle in double support than controls. Additionally, PwMS
had greater variability in the time between steps, single support percent and
step width than controls. Collectively, the results highlight that PwMS, in the
absence of clinical gait impairment, have subtle but detectable differences in
gait and that these alterations can be detected with clinically feasible
technology. The current results raise the possibility of targeting walking
deviations earlier in disability progression in PwMS.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS