Gait Profile Score in multiple sclerosis patients with low disability

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Subtle gait abnormalities are common in early multiple sclerosis (MS) but difficult to quantify.
• The Gait Profile Score (GPS) is a biomechanical measure combining nine kinematic variables to assess overall gait quality.
• Accurate assessment of early gait impairments is crucial for managing MS progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if the Gait Profile Score (GPS) can detect gait impairments in low-disabled MS patients.
• To compare the sensitivity of GPS with discrete spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters in this population.

Main Methods:

• Instrumented gait analysis was performed on 34 relapsing-remitting MS patients (Expanded Disability Status Scale ≤2) and 22 healthy controls.
• Participants were matched for age, weight, height, BMI, and gender.
• Gait kinematic variables were used to calculate the GPS, alongside spatiotemporal and discrete kinematic parameters.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in GPS values or spatiotemporal parameters were observed between MS patients and controls.
• Significant kinematic alterations were detected at the ankle and pelvis in MS patients compared to controls.
• The GPS failed to identify gait abnormalities in this low-disability MS cohort.

Conclusions:

• The Gait Profile Score (GPS) is not sensitive enough to detect subtle gait impairments in early-stage multiple sclerosis.
• Kinematic analysis provides more detailed insights into specific gait alterations in low-disabled MS patients.
• Further research is needed to develop sensitive gait assessment scores for early MS detection and management.