Gait Changes with Balance‐Based Torso‐Weighting in People with Multiple Sclerosis

This study is a non‐randomized controlled experiment. ParticipantsThis study included 20 PwMS and 20 matched healthy controls ProceduresPeople with multiple sclerosis walked on an instrumented mat at their fastest speed for three trials each in two conditions: without BBTW then with BBTW. Healthy controls walked in both conditions at two speeds: their fastest speed and at velocities equivalent to their matched PwMS. ResultsAveraged gait trials showed that, with BBTW, PwMS had significantly increased velocity (p = 0.002), cadence (p = 0.007) and time spent in single‐limb support (p = 0.014), with decreased time in double‐limb support (p = 0.004). Healthy controls increased velocity (p = 0.012) and cadence (p = 0.015) and decreased support base (p = 0.014) in fast trials with BBTW; at matched velocities, step length (p = 0.028) and support base (p = 0.006) were significantly different from PwMS. All gait variables in healthy controls at fast speeds were significantly different from PwMS walking at their fastest speeds. DiscussionAll participants showed increases in gait velocity and cadence during fast walk with BBTW. Improvements in time spent in single‐limb and double‐limb support by PwMS with BBTW may reflect greater stability in gait. Future research might ascertain if these immediate improvements could enhance effectiveness of longer‐term physiotherapy on functional mobility in PwMS. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, L...
Source: Physiotherapy Research International - Category: Physiotherapy Authors: Tags: Research Article Source Type: research