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Published on: November 4, 2017
A Delphi study to identify key gait patterns and their potential causes in people with multiple sclerosis
Sjoerd T Timmermans1, Marjolein M Van der Krogt2, Marc B Rietberg3
1Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Rehabilitation Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Rehabilitation & Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands. sj.timmermans@amsterdamumc.nl.
Researchers identified six key gait patterns in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, including drop foot and knee hyperextension. Understanding these patterns aids diagnosis and treatment for MS-related walking impairments.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomechanics
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease affecting gait.
- Characteristic gait abnormalities are common in MS but not fully categorized.
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe characteristic gait patterns in individuals with MS.
- To determine the key features of these gait patterns.
- To explore the potential underlying causes of MS-related gait impairments.
Main Methods:
- A 3-round Delphi study involving 20 international experts.
- Experts included physiotherapists, neurologists, physicians, engineers, and movement scientists.
- Consensus was defined as 67% agreement on gait patterns, characteristics, and causes.
Main Results:
- Consensus was reached on six distinct gait patterns in MS.
- These patterns include drop foot, insufficient push-off, stiff knee, knee hyperextension, knee flexion in midstance, and enhanced gait variability.
- High agreement (≥69%) was achieved on pattern identification, characteristics, and causes.
Conclusions:
- Six characteristic gait patterns in MS were identified and described.
- This classification aids clinical decision-making for diagnosis and treatment.
- Enhanced understanding of gait impairments can improve walking function in MS patients.
