Affiliations: Unit of Neurorehabilitation, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Caterina Tramonti, Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Department of Medical Specialties, University Hospital of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, 56126, Pisa, Italy. Tel.: +39 (0) 50 995723; Fax: +39 (0) 50 995430; E-mail: caterina.tramonti@gmail.com.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:An intensive task-oriented circuit training (TOCT) provides a valid approach in improving motor function in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE:We aimed at testing the efficacy of TOCT on gait kinematics in MS patients with mild-moderate disability. METHODS:Nineteen MS patients able of independent walking performed 3-D Gait Analysis before (T0) and after (T1) a two-week TOCT program. Patients were clustered in two different subgroups, according to clinical neurological impairments assessed with specific functional system of Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): pyramidal (Group 1) and cerebellar (Group 2) subjects. Spatio-temporal and kinematic data were compared before and after the TOCT intervention in the total sample of patients and in the two selected subgroups at two time intervals. RESULTS:Data obtained revealed increased dynamic ROM at knee joint after training in the whole study sample. Of note, knee dynamic excursion improved significantly in Group 1 but not in Group 2 patients after TOCT. Moreover, sagittal plane kinematics revealed significant modifications on knee and ankle biomechanics in Group 1 after rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS:These data point out the benefits of the task specific training on gait dynamics in mild impaired MS subjects, linking to treatment opportunity in patients with a prevalent pyramidal impairment.
