Walking speed for HSPers declines with disease duration, age, level of spasticity (higher) and Range of Motion (lower).
OBJECTIVES: To characterize the spasticity and range of motion (ROM) in patients with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) and to correlate these parameters with walking speed.
DESIGN: An observational population-based cohort study. SETTING: Patient data were acquired from a population-based epidemiologic study performed earlier in Estonia.
PARTICIPANTS: Persons (N=46) (mean age, 50.1y) with clinically confirmed HSP diagnosis (mean duration, 20.9y) participated in the study.
INTERVENTIONS: 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.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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.
SOURCE: Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009 Nov;90(11):1887-90.
Functional assessment of lower extremities in hereditary spastic paraplegia.
Braschinsky M, Parts K, Maamägi H, Gross-Paju K, Haldre S.
Tartu University, Department of Neurology, 8 L. Puusepp St, Tartu, 51014, Estonia. [email protected]