Functional assessment of lower extremities in hereditary spastic paraplegia.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the spasticity and range of motion (ROM) in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) and to correlate these parameters with walking speed.


METHODS
An observational population-based cohort study.


METHODS
Patient data were acquired from a population-based epidemiologic study performed earlier in Estonia.


METHODS
Persons (N=46) (mean age, 50.1y) with clinically confirmed HSP diagnosis (mean duration, 20.9y) participated in the study.


METHODS
Active and passive ROMs were measured with a plastic 360 degrees goniometer. Spasticity was evaluated by using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). The time it took a patient to walk 10m was recorded.


METHODS
Measurements included testing of active and passive ROM as a marker for mobility, the MAS for spasticity, and time to complete a 10-m walk.


RESULTS
A higher degree of spasticity in hip muscles was associated with lower values of active ROM and slower walking. Walking speed was negatively correlated to disease duration and participant age.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study provides analysis of the contributions of spasticity and ROM to walking speed in HSP, both factors negatively influence gait in persons with HSP.
Braschinsky
Mark
M
Tartu University, Department of Neurology, 8 L. Puusepp St, Tartu, 51014, Estonia. mark.braschinsky@kliinikum.ee
Parts
Kadri
K
Maamägi
Heigo
H
Gross-Paju
Katrin
K
Haldre
Sulev
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D015419:Spastic Paraplegia, Hereditary / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric