Effects of Rehabilitation on Gait Pattern at Usual and Fast Speeds Depend on Walking Impairment Level in Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: Physical rehabilitation can improve walking capacity in persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters after rehabilitation are not frequently evaluated, and it is unknown to what extent potential effects depend on baseline disability level. The objective was to investigate the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs on gait parameters at usual and fastest speeds in persons with MS categorized according to walking speed.

Methods: This nonrandomized multinational study in "real-world" settings evaluated participants before and after conventional rehabilitation. Outcome measurements included spatiotemporal gait parameters assessed by an electronic walkway (at usual and fastest speeds), walking capacity tests (Timed 25-Foot Walk test, 2-Minute Walk Test, 6-Minute Walk Test), and the patient-reported 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale. Patients were allocated into three subgroups based on walking speed (<0.82 m/s and >1.14 m/s) and MS center. Results were calculated for the total group and subgroups.

Results: Forty-two persons with MS (26 women; mean ± SD age, 44.6 ± 11.0 years; mean ± SD Expanded Disability Status Scale score, 3.5 ± 1.5) receiving rehabilitation treatment were enrolled. After rehabilitation treatment, the group demonstrated a significant decrease in double support time and an increase in stride length and step length (left leg) at usual and fastest speeds. Velocity and step length (right leg) increased only at usual speed. Subgroup analysis revealed greatest and clinically meaningful improvements in more disabled persons with MS.

Conclusions: Physical rehabilitation induced changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters in persons with MS. The magnitude of improvement was greater in participants with more walking impairment.