Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
14:52
Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
12.3K
Longitudinal relationships among posturography and gait measures in multiple sclerosis
Nora E Fritz1, Scott D Newsome2, Ani Eloyan2
1From the Kennedy Krieger Institute (N.E.F., R.E.R.M., K.M.Z.), Baltimore; and Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (N.E.F., K.M.Z.), Neurology (S.D.N., P.A.C., K.M.Z.), and Biostatistics (A.E.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. fritzn@kennedykrieger.org.
Neurology
|April 17, 2015
Summary
Balance and gait impairments in multiple sclerosis (MS) are linked. Poorer balance predicts slower walking speed and declines in walking performance over time in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Gait and balance dysfunction are early and common symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Longitudinal tracking of these deficits is crucial for understanding disease progression and fall risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal relationships between quantitative measures of gait and balance in individuals with MS.
- To identify predictive markers of walking performance decline.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-seven ambulatory individuals with MS underwent regular assessments.
- Evaluations included posturography, quantitative sensorimotor and gait measures, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
Main Results:
- Poorer balance performance correlated with slower walking velocity.
- Specific posturography measures (anterior-posterior sway) significantly predicted changes in walking velocity and Timed 25-Foot Walk performance over time.
- R-squared values of approximately 0.95 and 0.83 indicated strong predictive power.
Conclusions:
- A strong longitudinal relationship exists between clinical gait measures and posturography in MS.
- Increases in static and reductions in dynamic posturography predict future declines in walking performance.
- Quantitative balance and gait measures are valuable for monitoring MS progression and assessing fall risk.
