Relação da fraqueza muscular com a velocidade e o comprimento de passo na marcha de pessoas com Esclerose Lateral Amiotrófica

Abstract

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neurons of the spinal cord, brain stem and brain. Its main feature is progressive muscle weakness, which affects physical mobility as a result of gait changes caused by this weakness. Objective: to correlate muscle weakness with speed and step length in the gait of people with ALS. Methods: an analytical cross-sectional study carried out at the Movement Analysis Service of the State Center for Rehabilitation and Readaptation Dr. Henrique Santillo (CRER). In which, people with a confirmed diagnosis of ALS, of both sexes, over 18 years old, able to walk with or without assistance were evaluated. Sociodemographic and clinical data were analyzed, muscle strength of the lower limbs (LL) was measured, speed and step length were obtained during gait, through the VICON® camera system. Results: 57 people with ALS participated in the study, aged between 35 and 79 years, in different stages of the disease and different topographical predominance. A correlation was observed between normalized step length and normalized gait speed with muscle strength for all muscle groups of the lower limbs, with the exception of the left hip adductors (L). The correlation between functionality and muscle strength was verified only for the bilateral hip flexor and extensor groups, hip abductors L, knee flexors L and gastrocnemius L, but in a weak way. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the decline in muscle strength is directly associated with the decline in gait performance, when it comes to people with ALS. As well as the decline in muscle strength, even if weakly, is associated with the decline in functionality.