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The Dresden Protocol for Multidimensional Walking Assessment (DMWA) in Clinical Practice
Katrin Trentzsch1, Marie Luise Weidemann1, Charlotte Torp1
1Department of Neurology, MS Center Dresden, Center of Clinical Neuroscience, Neurological Clinic, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|November 16, 2020
Summary
Regular gait analysis is crucial for early detection and management of walking impairments in multiple sclerosis (MS). This approach enables timely interventions to slow disability progression and optimize patient care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Walking impairments are a primary cause of disability in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Early detection of subtle gait changes is vital for effective intervention and management.
- Current clinical practice often assesses walking impairment only at advanced stages of MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a standardized protocol for multidimensional gait and balance analysis in MS patients.
- To highlight the benefits of regular, comprehensive gait assessment for monitoring disease progression.
- To improve upon current clinical practices for assessing walking impairment in MS.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a standardized, multidimensional gait and balance assessment protocol.
- Annual assessment of patients with MS using comprehensive gait analysis techniques.
- Inclusion of functional tests like walking speed, endurance, balance, and gait quality, alongside patient-reported outcomes.
Main Results:
- Established a routine multidimensional gait analysis procedure at the MS Center Dresden.
- Enabled long-term monitoring of walking impairment in MS patients.
- Provided a more holistic and sensitive assessment compared to traditional methods like the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS).
Conclusions:
- Multidimensional gait analysis offers a sensitive tool for early detection and monitoring of MS-related walking impairments.
- Regular gait assessments facilitate timely interventions, disease management, and personalized rehabilitation planning.
- This standardized protocol enhances clinical practice for MS patient care.
