Gait Variability and Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Gait variability, that is, fluctuations in movement during walking, is an indicator of walking function and has been associated with various adverse outcomes such as falls. In this paper, current research concerning gait variability in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) is discussed. It is well established that persons with MS have greater gait variability compared to age and gender matched controls without MS. The reasons for the increase in gait variability are not completely understood. Evidence indicates that disability level, assistive device use, attentional requirement, and fatigue are related to gait variability in persons with MS. Future research should address the time-evolving structure (i.e., temporal characteristics) of gait variability, the clinical importance of gait variability, and underlying mechanisms that drive gait variability in individuals with MS.

Effects of Functional Electrical Stimulation on Gait Function and Quality of Life for People with Multiple Sclerosis Taking Dalfampridine

“…21,27 They walk more slowly, take shorter, slower steps, and spend more of their gait cycle in double support than do controls. 28 Variability in gait patterns affect gait quality and can contribute to instability. 28 A significant improvement over time on this measure suggests an improvement in speed as well as an improvement in control of gait, with quicker initiation of walking and better control and stability with acceleration.…”

Gait characteristics, balance performance and falls in ambulant adults with cerebral palsy: An observational study

“…In those with early Parkinson's disease a reduction in gait speed and stride length has been associated with impaired dynamic balance performance [9], however no significant association was found between gait speed or stride length and measures of upright stability in Friedrich's ataxia [11]. In those with Parkinson's disease who fall, stride-to-stride variability is increased [10], yet a recent review article exploring gait variability in those with multiple sclerosis was unable to demonstrate a link between measures of gait variability and falls in this population [12]. Evidence of significant associations between spatiotemporal gait variables, gait variability and balance performance in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) has the potential to direct future clinical management of this population.…”

Ultrasound detection of knee joint degeneration in patients with multiple sclerosis

“…WOMAC: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index; VAS: visual analogue pain scale. Knee joint degeneration in patients with multiple sclerosis sulting in a great impact on quality of life (1)(2)(3)8). According to the results of this study, patients with poorer balance also had poorer WOMAC pain, stiffness and function scores.…”

“…The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) (a 0-10 scale, in which 0 represents no impairment due to MS, 4.0 indicates the onset of significant walking impairment, 7.5 indicates wheelchair dependence, and 10.0 represents death due to MS) was used to assess the degree of progressive disability related to MS (8).…”

“…MS has a progressive course, and higher EDSS scores reveal a more severe clinical involvement of MS (8). It can be suggested that cartilage degeneration would progress with an increase in the EDSS score.…”