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Gait Characteristics in Adolescents With Multiple Sclerosis
Alon Kalron1, Lior Frid2, Shay Menascu3
1Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
Pediatric Neurology
|January 24, 2017
Summary
Adolescents with multiple sclerosis exhibit slower walking speeds and reduced gait variability. This study highlights key gait changes in pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, aiding in managing walking difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive autoimmune central nervous system disorder.
- Pediatric MS presentations, once considered rare, are increasingly reported.
- Understanding gait in adolescents with MS is crucial due to rising incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze and present gait characteristics in adolescents diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
- To compare gait parameters of pediatric MS patients with healthy, age-matched controls.
- To identify potential clinical markers for managing gait dysfunction in young MS patients.
Main Methods:
- Gait characteristics of 24 adolescents with MS were assessed.
- Participants included 12 girls and 12 boys with a mean age of 15.5 years.
- Gait parameters and gait variability index were compared to healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Adolescents with MS demonstrated slower walking speeds compared to healthy peers.
- A wider base of support was observed in the MS group.
- The gait variability index was significantly lower in adolescents with MS (85.4) versus controls (96.5).
Conclusions:
- Gait parameters in adolescents with multiple sclerosis reveal distinct patterns of altered locomotion.
- These findings provide valuable insights for the clinical management of walking impairments in this young population.
- Early identification and management of gait dysfunction can improve quality of life for pediatric MS patients.
