Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2011

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate reported fatigue levels and gait deficits in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) to determine the relationships that may exist between fatigue in patients with MS and alterations in gait mechanics.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: Biomechanics laboratory.

Participants: Subjects with MS (n=32) and age- and sex-matched controls (n=30).

Interventions: None.

Main Outcome Measures: Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Modified Fatigue Index Scale (MFIS), and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) to assess fatigue and general health. Biomechanical gait analysis was performed to measure peak joint torques and powers in the sagittal plane at the ankle, knee, and hip. Correlations were performed between fatigue measures and degree of deficit within each patient with MS for each joint torque and power measure. Results FSS score significantly correlated with deficits in ankle power generation at late stance and walking velocity. MFIS score significantly correlated with deficits in peak knee extensor torque and knee power absorption at early stance. SF-36 subscale scores correlated with several joint torque and power variables. Conclusions Subjective fatigue rating scale scores alone should not be used as an indicator of motor disability or disease progression as it affects walking performance of patients with MS.

Comments

NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vol. 92, Issue 10 (October 2011) doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2011.05.017.

Journal Title

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Volume

92

Issue

10

First Page

1594

Last Page

1601

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Biomechanics Commons

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