Upper limb movement analysis during gait in multiple sclerosis patients.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomechanics
• Movement Science

Background:

• Gait disorders are common in Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
• Upper limb movements are crucial for locomotion and can be affected in MS due to lesions or compensation.
• Previous research has not detailed upper limb kinematics during gait in MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize upper limb movements during gait in individuals with low disability Multiple Sclerosis.
• To compare arm movements in MS patients with those of healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Observational study involving 52 relapsing-remitting MS outpatients (mean EDSS 2±1) and 25 healthy controls.
• Analysis of arm movements during gait using 3-dimensional motion capture.
• Comparison of gait parameters including speed, elbow flexion, and range of motion (ROM).

Main Results:

• MS patients demonstrated slower walking speeds compared to controls.
• Increased mean elbow flexion and decreased elbow flexion/extension range of motion (ROM) were observed in MS patients.
• Shoulder and hand movements did not significantly differ between groups. Age and disability level did not explain these upper limb differences.

Conclusions:

• Altered upper limb kinematics, specifically increased elbow flexion and reduced ROM, are characteristic of gait in MS patients with low disability.
• These findings suggest a new aspect of gait impairment in MS.
• Observed upper limb movement patterns may indicate subtle motor deficits or compensatory strategies in MS.