Mildly disabled persons with multiple sclerosis use similar net joint power strategies as healthy controls when walking speed increases.

Background: To improve walking in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS), it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of walking. This study examined strategies in net joint power generated or absorbed by hip flexors, hip extensors, hip abductors, knee extensors, and plantar flexors in mildly disabled persons with MS and healthy controls at different walking speeds.

Methods: Thirteen persons with MS and thirteen healthy controls participated and peak net joint power was calculated using 3D motion analysis.