Walking as a Mediator Between Strength and Health-Related Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis.

Unlabelled: Background and Purpose: Lower limb (LL) weakness and gait impairment are prevalent among persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and can impede functional independence and impact health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). The purpose of this study was to examine the mediation effect of walking speed and perceived walking ability on the relationship between LL weakness and HR-QoL in ambulatory PwMS.

Methods: Participants (n = 175) were PwMS in this secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study.

Establishment of regression-based isometric strength reference values for the upper limb in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Background: Muscle weakness is common and significantly affects persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), with dysfunction in upper limb (UL) muscle groups occurring in approximately 60% of PwMS.

Objective: To develop gender-specific regression-based prediction equations, with 95% confidence intervals for maximal bilateral UL isometric strength (shoulder abduction and adduction, wrist flexion and extension) and hand grip strength in PwMS.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Establishment of regression-based normative isometric strength values for major lower limb muscle groups in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Background: Limb weakness is a major impairment that affects mobility in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Specifically, lower limb (LL) weakness can greatly affect gait and balance, while increasing fall risk and decreasing quality of life. Numerous studies have compared LL strength of PwMS to healthy controls, however none have objectively measured strength in all major LL joints (hip, knee, and ankle) in a large number of PwMS.

Effect of Backward and Forward Walking on Lower Limb Strength, Balance, and Gait in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Feasibility Trial.

Background: Backward walking (BW) interventions have improved gait and balance in persons with stroke, cerebral palsy, and Parkinson disease but have not been studied in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). We examined the feasibility of a BW intervention and how it affected strength, balance, and gait vs forward walking (FW) in persons with MS.

Methods: Sixteen persons with MS with a Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scale score of 3 to 5 (gait impairment-late cane) were randomized to the FW (n = 8) or BW (n = 8) group.