MS patient with dropfoot problem

[Canuck Physio]

Hello,

Here is some interesting information about Gait in MS patients:

Gait abnormalities (Benedetti et al., 1999):
A movement analysis technique was used to identify Gait parameters indicative of Impaired Motor Function during Walking.

Abnormalities related primarily to Time-Distance Parameters were identified regardless the severity of the clinical score:

1. Reduced Speed Of Progression
* Shorter Strides
* Prolonged Double Support Phase
2. Muscular Function
* Premature Recruitment Of Gastrocnemius
* Late Relaxation of Tibialis Anterior during Stance Phase

It appears that Muscular Function is impaired in these patients, and 'movement fascilitation' and 'proprioceptive feedback' is important in enhancing the patients response to treatment.

Ref: Benedetti MG, Piperno R, Simoncini L, Bonato P, Tonini A, Giannini S. (1999) Gait Abnormalities In Minimally Impaired MS. Mult Scler 1999 Oct;5(5):363-8.