Gait and multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Gait analysis technology has led to an increased understanding of the changes in mobility that contribute to increasing disability in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). At all levels of the disease spectrum, changes in joint angles, moments, and muscle activation have been identified, which has lead to the investigation of key impairments that limit functional mobility in people with MS. Comprehensive three-dimensional gait analysis has characterized gait changes that worsen with increasing disability and deteriorate with walking-induced fatigue. This important ability to measure movement performance is resulting in a greater appreciation of the link between movement impairment during gait and its impact on daily functions. This knowledge will hopefully increase our ability to target specific aspects of gait with individualized physical therapy strategies.