Impaired postural balance correlates with complex walking performance in mildly disabled persons with multiple sclerosis.

Background: It is relevant to understand the possible influence of impaired postural balance on walking performance in multiple sclerosis (MS) gait rehabilitation.

Objective: We expected associations between impaired postural balance and complex walking performance in mildly disabled persons with MS, but not in healthy controls.

Methods: Thirteen persons with MS (Expanded Disability Status Scale = 2.5) and 13 healthy controls' walking performance were measured at fast walking speed, Timed Up & Go and Timed 25 Feet Walking. Postural balance was measured by stabilometry, 95% confidence ellipse sway area and sway velocity.

Results: Except from sway velocity (p = 0.07), significant differences were found between persons with MS and healthy controls in postural balance and walking. Significant correlations were observed between sway area and Timed Up & Go (r = 0.67) and fastest safe walking speed (r = -0.63) in persons with MS but not in healthy controls (r = 0.52 and r = 0.24, respectively). No other significant correlations were observed between postural balance and walking performance in neither persons with MS nor healthy controls.

Conclusion: Findings add to the understanding of postural balance and walking in persons with MS, as impaired postural balance was related to complex walking performance. Exercises addressing impaired postural balance are encouraged in early MS gait rehabilitation.