Body-worn motion sensors detect balance and gait deficits in people with multiple sclerosis who have normal walking speed.

ABSTRACT: While balance and gait limitations are hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS), standard stopwatch-timed measures practical for use in the clinic are insensitive in minimally affected patients. This prevents early detection and intervention for mobility problems. The study sought to determine if body-worn sensors could detect differences in balance and gait between people with MS with normal walking speeds and healthy controls. Thirty-one MS and twenty-eight age- and sex-matched control subjects were tested using body-worn sensors both during quiet stance and gait (Timed Up and Go test, TUG). Results were compared to stopwatch-timed measures. Stopwatch durations of the TUG and Timed 25 Foot Walk tests were not significantly different between groups. However, during quiet stance with eyes clos

SUBMITTER: Spain RI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3614340 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature