In a study published in the February issue of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, researchers found that dorsiflexion-assist orthoses (DAO) reduce the physiological cost of walking and lessen deterioration in strength and balance associated with walking for people who have multiple sclerosis (MS). The study’s authors pointed out that the results may have implications for physical rehabilitation in people with MS, but that further trials are needed to determine whether the beneficial effects of wearing a DAO are maintained for longer periods.
Using a randomized crossover trial design, the researchers compared the distance walked, perceived fatigue, and the physiological cost of walking when participants walked with and without a DAO on his or her weaker leg. Thirty-four participants (26 women and eight men) with moderate MS and an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 3.7 (plus or minus 0.7) were assessed with a modified six-minute walk test (6MWT) in both walking conditions. Before and after each walk, the researchers also assessed and compared changes in the participants’ knee extensor and ankle dorsiflexor isometric strength, and standing postural sway with eyes open and closed.
According to the study’s authors, there were no differences in distance walked or perceived fatigue between the two walking conditions. However, there was a reduced physiological cost of walking, a smaller reduction in knee extensor strength, and a smaller increase in standing postural sway with eyes open after walking while wearing the DAO when compared with walking without wearing the DAO.
