Examination of the effects of coordination and balance problems on gait in ataxic multiple sclerosis patients

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of coordination and balance problems on gait and plantar pressure distribution in multiple sclerosis patients. METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study. It was conducted at Necmettin Erbakan University between March and December 2017. Twenty-four individuals with coordination problems, 36 individuals with balance problems and 32 healthy individuals were included in the study. The EDSS, Functional Reach Test, Dynamic Gait Index, baropodometry and stabilometry evaluations were performed. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the groups (velocity p = 0.000, cadence p = 0.000, step width p = 0.018, step length p = 0.000, foot angle p = 0.000). Multiple comparisons demonstrated that the velocities and cadences of the coordination group were lower, while their step widths were found to be higher, compared to the balance group (p = 0.012, p = 0.004, p = 0.017, respectively). In static plantar pressure distribution, lateral forefoot pressure, lateral hindfoot pressure and medial hindfoot pressure were significantly different between the groups (p = 0.002, p = 0.000, respectively) Multiple comparisons showed that the pressure on the lateral part of the hindfoot in the coordination group was found to be significantly higher compared to the balance group (p = 0.002). According to the dynamic plantar pressure distribution, lateral forefoot, medial forefoot, lateral hindfoot and medial hindfoot pressures were significantly different between the groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Coordination and balance problems affect gait and plantar pressure distribution. The identification of these changes will help physiotherapists determine specific therapeutic targets.