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Related Concept Videos

Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction01:19

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Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. It is an inflammatory demyelinating disorder and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults.EpidemiologyMS commonly begins between 20 and 40 years of age and is twice as common in women. Its exact cause remains unclear, but genetic susceptibility contributes, with higher risk in first-degree relatives and identical twins. A greater...
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Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...
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Alterations in Muscle Tone ll01:12

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Alterations in muscle tone are common manifestations of neurological disorders and reflect dysfunction within different nervous system regions. Spasticity, paratonia, and dystonia represent distinct forms of hypertonia, each with unique mechanisms, clinical features, and diagnostic importance.CharacteristicsSpasticity happens from upper motor neuron lesions and is characterized by velocity-dependent resistance to passive movement. Clinical features include:Exaggerated deep tendon reflexesClonus...
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Related Experiment Video

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Leg spasticity and ambulation in multiple sclerosis.

Swathi Balantrapu1, Jacob J Sosnoff1, John H Pula2

  • 1Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 231 Freer Hall, 906 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.

Multiple Sclerosis International
|July 8, 2014
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Leg spasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly impairs walking ability. This study found that MS patients with leg spasticity exhibited poorer performance across multiple ambulation measures, impacting daily walking and gait parameters.

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Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Leg spasticity is a prevalent symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
  • Limited research has explored the connection between leg spasticity and ambulatory function in MS patients.
  • Understanding this association is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between leg spasticity and various measures of ambulation in individuals with MS.
  • To quantify the impact of leg spasticity on walking performance and gait parameters.

Main Methods:

  • 84 patients with MS were assessed for leg spasticity using a 5-point rating scale.
  • Participants completed standardized walking tests: 6-minute walk (6MW), timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), and timed up-and-go (TUG).
  • Gait analysis using GAITRite, oxygen cost of walking, MS Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12), and 7-day accelerometer data were collected.

Main Results:

  • 52% of participants presented with leg spasticity.
  • Leg spasticity was significantly associated with worse outcomes in 6MW, T25FW, TUG, MSWS-12, and O2 cost of walking.
  • Individuals with leg spasticity also showed reduced average steps/day, walking velocity, and cadence.

Conclusions:

  • Leg spasticity is a significant factor contributing to ambulation impairments in multiple sclerosis.
  • Spasticity is linked to objective deficits in gait spatiotemporal parameters and reduced free-living physical activity.
  • These findings highlight the need to address leg spasticity to improve mobility in MS.