[Strength, postural and gait changes following rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: a preliminary study].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of rehabilitation on balance, gait and strength in inpatients with multiple sclerosis (MS).


METHODS
Twenty-one in patients with MS benefited from a program of rehabilitation with evaluation before and after rehabilitation. Balance was assessed by stabilometry, walking speed with use of a locometer device and maximal peak torque of knee extensor and flexor with use of an isokinetic dynamometer at 60 degrees /s speed. The functional independence measure (FIM) was also applied before and after rehabilitation.


RESULTS
After rehabilitation, patients showed significant improvement in balance with opened and closed eyes, velocity gait, strength of the lower quadriceps and the higher hamstrings and FIM values. Absolute values of gait speed and strength parameters were related as were improvement in velocity speed and the higher hamstrings.


CONCLUSIONS
The results are encouraging and confirm the interest and tolerance of a program of rehabilitation among patients with MS.
Service de Rééducation Neurologique, Hôpital Léopold-Bellan, 21, rue Vercingétorix, 75014 Paris, France.
S
S
Cantalloube
I
I
Monteil
D
D
Lamotte
L
L
Mailhan
P
P
Thoumie
D000328:Adult; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D018579:Patient Selection; D004856:Postural Balance; D011187:Posture; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking