Motor unit discharge characteristics and walking performance of individuals with multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT: Walking performance of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) is strongly influenced by the activation signals received by lower leg muscles. We examined the associations between force steadiness and motor unit discharge characteristics of lower leg muscles during submaximal isometric contractions with tests of walking performance and disability status in individuals who self-reported walking difficulties due to MS. We expected that worse walking performance would be associated with weaker plantar flexor muscles, worse force steadiness, and slower motor unit discharge times. Twenty-three individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (56 ± 7 yr) participated in the study. Participants completed one to three evaluation sessions that involved two walking tests (25-ft walk and 6-min walk), a manual de

SUBMITTER: Almuklass AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5966731 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature