Acute effects of axial loading on postural control during walking and turning in people with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study.

Background: Impaired sensory integration is heavily involved in gait control and accentuates fall risk in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). While axial loading has been found beneficial, little is known about the effect of non-specific axial loads on gait parameters and mobility tasks in those with MS.

Research Question: What are the effects of non-specific axial loading via weighted vests on walking and turning in those with MS.

Methods: Twelve participants with MS and eleven age- and gender-matched healthy controls participated in a cross-sectional study. All participants completed five trials of continuous walking with turns wearing weighted vests at 0%, 2%, 4%, 5%, and then 0% of their body weight. Gait parameters were measured using wireless inertial sensors. A 2 (group) x 5 (vest weight) multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to determine any significant differences between groups and across weighted vests for each gait variable. Post-hoc analysis and paired t-tests with corresponding effect sizes were also conducted.

Results: A significant between groups main effect was found for group (F (6100) = 14.74, p = .000) in multiple gait parameters (p < 0.05), although no significant main effect was found for weighted vest. Within group analyses indicated significantly increased cadence and gait speed across varying weighted vests for both MS and control groups (p < 0 >05). Increased vest weight from 0%PRE to 2% also had large effect on shortening double support time and increasing stride length in the MS group.

Significance: This study provided preliminary evidence that non-specific axial loads of varying weights appear to improve certain gait parameters. As such, this modality may offer mobility benefit and serve as an accessible home-based intervention alternative aimed at improving walking in individuals with MS.