title: Relationship between muscular strength, gait and postural parameters in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate muscle strength, balance control and gait capacity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to study the correlations between these parameters.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty MS patients were evaluated in terms of knee muscle strength, gait and balance parameters. These evaluations were performed using an isokinetic dynamometer (the Cybex II(®)), a Bessou gait analyzer and a Satel(®) force platform, respectively. The patients' results were compared with those of a healthy control group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Hamstring and quadriceps peak torque values were lower in the MS group than in the control group. The sway area was greater in the MS group under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. The MS patients displayed lower gait speed, cadence and stride length. Hamstring and quadriceps strength values were significantly correlated with posture and gait parameters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study revealed the value of an overall evaluation of knee muscle strength, gait and posture in MS patients.
authors.affiliation: Service de médecine physique et réadaptation fonctionnelle, CHU Habib Bourguiba, université de Sfax, route El Ain Km 0,5, Sfax 3029, Tunisia.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yahia
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ghroubi
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mhiri
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Elleuch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D053580:Muscle Strength; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D004856:Postural Balance; D019415:Torque