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Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: January 29, 2016
Relationship between muscular strength, gait and postural parameters in multiple sclerosis
1Service de médecine physique et réadaptation fonctionnelle, CHU Habib Bourguiba, université de Sfax, route El Ain Km 0,5, Sfax 3029, Tunisia.
Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
|April 16, 2011
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients show reduced muscle strength and impaired balance and gait. These deficits correlate with knee strength, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessments in MS care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting muscle strength, balance, and gait.
- Objective assessment of these functional parameters is crucial for understanding MS progression and guiding rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate muscle strength, balance control, and gait capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- To investigate the correlations between these functional parameters in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Twenty MS patients underwent assessments of knee muscle strength, gait, and balance.
- Evaluations utilized an isokinetic dynamometer, a gait analyzer, and a force platform.
- Results were compared against a healthy control group.
Main Results:
- MS patients exhibited lower hamstring and quadriceps peak torque compared to controls.
- Increased sway area (eyes-open and eyes-closed) was observed in the MS group.
- MS patients demonstrated reduced gait speed, cadence, and stride length.
- Significant correlations were found between hamstring/quadriceps strength and posture/gait parameters.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive evaluation of knee muscle strength, gait, and posture is valuable for MS patients.
- Muscle strength deficits directly impact balance and gait in individuals with MS.
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