Gait abnormalities in minimally impaired multiple sclerosis patients

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomechanics
• Movement Science

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause subtle motor impairments.
• Early detection of neurological dysfunction is crucial for managing MS progression.
• Functional limitations in MS often appear after initial neurological changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify subclinical gait abnormalities in early-stage multiple sclerosis patients.
• To evaluate the utility of movement analysis in detecting early motor deficits.
• To correlate gait parameter changes with clinical scores in MS.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a movement analysis technique to assess gait parameters in seven MS patients (EDSS 0-2).
• Focused on time-distance parameters and muscular function during walking.
• Compared gait data against clinical assessments for early functional disturbances.

Main Results:

• Identified significant abnormalities in time-distance gait parameters (e.g., reduced speed, shorter strides).
• Detected alterations in muscular function, including premature gastrocnemius recruitment and delayed tibialis anterior relaxation.
• Observed these motor abnormalities irrespective of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score.

Conclusions:

• Movement analysis can detect subclinical gait impairments in early MS before functional deficits are clinically apparent.
• These early dysfunctions may stem from impaired reflex mechanisms or compensatory balance strategies.
• The described gait analysis technique offers a valuable tool for early detection, follow-up, and guiding physiotherapy in MS.