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OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the effect of insoles with arch support on gait patterns in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and somatosensory impairment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients (7 females, 3 males; mean age 34.9±6.8 years; range, 48 to 35 years) with clinically definite relapsing remitting MS and age- and sex-matched 10 healthy volunteers (7 females, 3 males; mean age 33.8±3.2; range, 40 to 31 years) were included in the study between January 2011 and January 2012. A medial longitudinal arch and transverse arch supporting polyurethane insole covered with foam shaped using plantar sensory feedback was used. Three-dimensional gait analysis was performed via a Vicon 612 system with six cameras. The participants initially walked barefoot and, then, wore the insoles in their short slipper socks. RESULTS: All participants were evaluated in terms of kinetics, kinematics, and temporospatial parameters with a gait analysis system. The patients with MS showed improvements in cadence and walking speed when using the insoles. Sagittal plane angles of the hip and knee were increased while using insoles (p<0.05) and ankle plantar flexion was found to be decreased, compared to barefoot walking (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that insole with arch support affects gait cycle, but does not improve gait impairments in patients with MS. Insoles may ensure plantar sensory feedback in feet during walking, which increases pressure in the mid-forefoot area.
ABSTRACT
[Purpose] To investigate the relationship between isokinetic knee muscle strength and kinematic, kinetic and spatiotemporal gait parameters of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-nine MS patients (mean age 31.5±6.5) were investigated in this study. The isokinetic knee muscle strength and gait parameters of MS patients with moderate and severe disability, as determined by the expanded disability status scale (EDSS): EDSS=1-4.5 (n=22, moderate disability) and EDSS>4.5 (n=7, severe disability) were measured. [Results] Isokinetic knee muscle strength, kinematic, kinetic and spatiotemporal gait parameters differed between moderate (EDSS=1-4.5, n=22) and severe disability (EDSS>4.5, n=7). The correlation between each of gait speed, stride length, total range of knee joint movement and the four strength parameters (minimum and maximum quadriceps and hamstring muscle strengths) were significant for the MS group as a whole. Within subgroups, the correlation between minimum hamstring strength and total range of knee movement was significant only in group EDSS>4.5; minimum hamstring correlated with peak knee extensor moment in group EDSS=1-4.5, but at a reduced level of significance. [Conclusion] The present study revealed significant correlations between gait characteristics and isokinetic strength parameters of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles. Our study suggests that rehabilitation protocols for MS patients should include a critical strength training programme particularly for the hamstring and quadriceps muscles.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis is an uncommon condition that has few case reports in the literature. Reported series indicate that it is a condition classically accompanying vertebral and metaphyseal fractures during the immediate pre-puberty years but that seems to develop naturally during puberty. Current clinical treatment is complicated because of lack of understanding on the origins of Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis. PRESENTATION OF CASE: The 13-year-old female patient with no former complaints had pain in her left hip while walking 2 years ago. Excluding the secondary osteoporosis reasons, the patient was diagnosed with Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis and after the medical treatment she was followed-up. DISCUSSION: The patient was subjected to a rehabilitation program for muscle weakness. She had difficulty in walking as a result of prolonged immobilization. At the end of a two-year treatment, significant improvement was achieved in muscle strength in the extremities, walking distance, and posture. CONCLUSION: With this report, we would like to raise awareness about a possible association of persistent fractures with this rare metabolic disorder, Idiopathic Juvenile Osteoporosis, which should be included in differential diagnosis of patients with persistent appendicular skeleton fractures.
