Impaired speed-dependent modulation of the gait pattern in multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Walking dysfunction is a prevalent issue in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Gait adaptability, the ability to alter walking patterns with speed, is crucial for ambulatory function and relies on intact neural pathways.
• This study focuses on gait modulation capacity in individuals with MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess how people with MS modify their gait patterns in response to varying walking speeds.
• To identify specific gait parameters affected by speed changes in MS.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D gait analysis on a treadmill for 35 individuals with MS and 20 healthy controls.
• Evaluated twelve kinematic parameters, including spatiotemporal measures and intralimb coordination, across different walking speeds.

Main Results:

• Individuals with MS exhibited significantly reduced speed-dependent modifications in cadence, double-limb support time, trunk movements, and intralimb coordination compared to controls.
• These gait modulation deficits were more pronounced in individuals with greater MS-related disability.

Conclusions:

• The impaired capacity to modulate gait in response to speed changes is a significant contributor to gait dysfunction in MS, limiting daily activities.
• Gait modulation analysis may serve as a sensitive biomarker for assessing walking function in multiple sclerosis.