Impactos da fraqueza muscular na marcha de pacientes com esclerose múltipla

Abstract

EM is a demyelinating disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS) and develops in an inflammatory and chronic way. It may have different clinical manifestations that will depend on the affected CNS region. Clinical manifestations, that can compromise the patient's gait and, consequently, his independence. Objective: To relate gait speed and performance on the Timed 25-foot Walk (T25WF) with hip, knee and ankle muscle strength. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional observational study, carried out at the Movement Analysis Service of the State Center for Rehabilitation and Readaptation Dr. Henrique Santillo (CRER). That evaluated individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of MS, of both genders, over 18 years of age, able to walk without any assistance. Lower limb muscle strength (MMII), gait speed and performance on the T25WF were measured. Results: The study included 50 individuals aged between 28 and 70 years, at different stages of the evolution of MS, time since diagnosis between 2 and 27 years. There was a moderate positive correlation between muscle strength and velocity for the hip and knee flexor, tibialis anterior and long finger extensor muscles. There was a moderate negative correlation between muscle strength and performance on the T25FW, for the hip flexor and abductor, knee flexor and extensor muscles, and tibialis anterior muscles. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that muscle weakness in some groups of lower limbs of patients with MS impair gait speed and performance on the T25FW.