Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
TURKISH JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY REHABILITATION-TURK FIZYOTERAPI VE REHABILITASYON DERGISI, cilt.18, sa.3, ss.209-216, 2007 (ESCI)
Purpose: This study was planned to determine the factors that affected the variability of daily walking parameters and the fluctuation of walking distances of multiple scierosis (MS) patients. Materials and methods: Thirty MS patients and 20 healthy controls were Included in the study. The MS patients were divided into two groups according to their EDSS scores. (group 1: low level disability, EDSS scores 1-3, group 2: medium level disability, EDSS scores 3.5-5. Patients in both groups were able to walk without support. The walking parameters were evaluated by using foot print method. The evaluation, were made on three consecutive days and at the same hours. Results: Among the parameters that were achieved in the MS Groups 1 and 2 and the control group, the speed, cadence, right and left step lengths, double steps lengths and step width were statistically different (p<0.05). There was no difference between the parameters in the morning and afternoon hours (p<0.05). Whereas walking distances were different among the groups (p<0.05), in the measurement of maximum walking distances in three consecutive days the distance walked had not changed (p>0.05). There was a significant relation between ataxia evaluations and walking parameters (p<0.05). Conclusion The MS patients have developed some adaptations in their walking functions. These were slow walking, using short steps, and increasing surface support. It is thought that the purpose of these changes were to provide stability and to preserve energy.