Affiliations: [a] Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Gazi University, Turkey | [b] Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Gazi University, Turkey
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Seyit Citaker PT. PhD. Faculty of Health Science, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Gazi University, 06500, Ankara, Turkey. Tel.: +90 312 216 26 27; Fax: +90 312 216 26 36; E-mail: scitaker@gazi.edu.tr
Abstract: Background:Muscle strength and standing balance decrease in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Objective:The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the lower extremity isometric muscle strength and standing balance in patients with MS. Methods:Forty-seven patients with MS and 10 healthy volunteers were included. Neurological disability level was assessed using Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Isometric strength of seven lower extremity muscles (hip flexor-extensor-abductor-adductor, knee flexor-extensor, and ankle dorsal flexor) was assessed using hand-held dynamometer. Duration of static one-leg standing balance was measured using digital chronometer. Results:Hip flexor-extensor-abductor-adductor, knee flexor-extensor, and ankle dorsal flexor isometric muscle strength, and duration of one-leg standing balance were decreased in patients with MS when compared with controls (p < 0.05). All assessed lower extremity isometric muscle strength and EDSS level was related duration of one-leg standing balance in patients with MS. All assessed lower extremity isometric muscle strength (except ankle dorsal flexor) was related with EDSS. Conclusions:Hip flexor-extensor-abductor-adductor, knee flexor-extensor, and ankle dorsal flexor isometric muscle strength decreases in ambulatory MS patients. Lower extremity muscle weakness and neurological disability level are related with imbalance in MS population. Hip and knee region muscles weakness increases the neurological disability level. For the better balance and decrease neurological disability level whole lower extremity muscle strengthening should be included in rehabilitation programs.
