Lower extremity muscle force measures and functional ambulation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relation between lower extremity muscle force production and functional ambulation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).


METHODS
Retrospective analysis of data collected from 1979 to 1995.


METHODS
Two hundred forty ALS patients referred to the New England Medical Center Neuromuscular Research Unit.


METHODS
Muscle force production during a maximum, voluntary isometric contraction of ankle dorsiflexors, knee flexors, knee extensors, hip flexors, and hip extensors was calculated as percent predicted maximal force (PPMF). Functional ambulation status was classified as unable, home, or community.


RESULTS
The probability of community ambulation compared with home increased with progressively higher PPMF for all muscle groups. Subjects with knee flexion strength greater than 75% PPMF were 395 times more likely to ambulate in the community. Subjects with hip extension strength over 50% PPMF showed improved chance of ambulation at home.


CONCLUSIONS
Lower extremity PPMF is a critical factor determining functional ambulation in patients with ALS. Knee flexors play an important role in community ambulation while the hip extensors are important for home ambulation.
Graduate School for Health Studies, Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, Simmons College, Boston, MA 02115-5898, USA.
M D
MD
Slavin
D U
DU
Jette
P L
PL
Andres
T L
TL
Munsat
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*