Gait characteristics in multiple sclerosis: progressive changes and effects of exercise on parameters

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease impacting mobility.
• Gait disturbances are a common and debilitating symptom of MS.
• Understanding MS gait characteristics is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the gait of individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• To identify progressive gait changes in multiple sclerosis.
• To evaluate the impact of an aquatic exercise program on MS gait parameters.

Main Methods:

• Eleven patients with multiple sclerosis were filmed using a Locam camera at 100 frames/s over a 10-week period.
• Gait parameters were analyzed, including stride length, walking speed, cadence, and joint excursions.
• Participants also underwent assessments using the Kurtzke Scale for Evaluating Disability in Multiple Sclerosis.

Main Results:

• Patients with MS exhibited shorter stride lengths, slower walking speeds, and higher cadence compared to healthy individuals.
• Abnormalities in knee and ankle joint rotation, reduced vertical center of gravity lift, and increased trunk lean were observed.
• Significant correlations were found between Kurtzke Scale scores and step length, as well as hip and ankle joint excursion.

Conclusions:

• The study identified distinct gait characteristics in multiple sclerosis patients, including reduced mobility and altered biomechanics.
• Gait parameters showed significant correlation with the severity of disability as measured by the Kurtzke Scale.
• The implemented aquatic exercise program did not demonstrate a significant effect on the measured gait parameters in this cohort.