Background

Gait dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis is an important risk factor for falls. Although there is detailed biomechanical evidence of impaired gait patterns in people with Multiple Sclerosis, there is a paucity of objective empirical data relating specific lower limb muscle strength deficits and gait impairments. Most studies to date have used manual muscle testing to investigate lower limb muscle strength and/​or have only focused on knee flexors and extensors. 

About the study

The research study aims to investigate strength in the lower limb and its association with walking ability. In addition, other factors related to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that may affect walking including spasticity, balance, leg sensation and contractures in the ankle will be assessed. 

Our experimental protocol involves a comprehensive assessment of isometric strength in eight major lower limb muscle groups using electronic strain gauges. We then conduct a full lower-limb gait analysis using motion capture and force platforms. We will conduct statistical analyses to determine which weak muscle groups are significantly associated with markers of gait impairment in Multiple Sclerosis (eg. knee range of motion during the gait cycle).

Our research will identify the muscle groups contributing to poor gait, likely causing imbalance and trips in people with Multiple Sclerosis.

This work is crucial for developing progressive resistance training programs that directly target weak muscle groups to improve gait in people with Multiple Sclerosis. 

We have now recruited all our participants with MS but require control participants. This study will be suited if you are:

• Female
• Aged between 52 – 64 years.
• Able to walk at least 20 meters without resting and without a mobility aid
• Able to understand English, follow test instructions and give informed consent.
• Living independently in the community,
• No existing medical conditions (e.g. MS, Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease, diabetes-related peripheral neuropathy, etc.) that affect walking gait
• No history of fracture in the past 3 years or joint replacement in the past 12 months.
• No recent lower limb injury that would influence strength and mobility performance.

What does participant require?

If you decided to participate in this research, you will be required to attend a one-off assessment conducted at NeuRA. The assessment will take ~ 1.5 hours.

Contact

If you are interested in taking part of this study, please email: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

This study is funded by Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia.