Walking ability is a vital component of validated test procedures to assess mobility impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS). The methods used to assess walking ability vary widely between treatment centres, and the accuracy of the methods used and numbers of parameters determined to analyse specific aspects of walking and gait are often limited. The questionnaireand task-based methods used to as...

BACKGROUND The ability to perform a cognitive task while walking simultaneously (dual-tasking) is important in real life. However, the psychometric properties of dual-task walking tests have not been well established in stroke. OBJECTIVE To assess the test-retest reliability, concurrent and known-groups validity of various dual-task walking tests in people with chronic stroke. DESIGN Observ...

This study aimed to investigate any differences between the motor skills and sensory processing abilities of children between the ages of 4 and 8, who do and do not have an idiopathic toe walking gait. Children in each cohort were tested with a number of norm referenced assessments. A total of 60 children participated, 30 within each cohort. Those with an idiopathic toe walking gait were found ...

Nordic walking may improve mobility in Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we examined whether the beneficial effects persist after the training period. We included 19 PD patients [14 men; mean age 67.0 years (range 58-76); Hoehn and Yahr stage range 1-3] who received a 6-week Nordic walking exercise program. Outcome was assessed prior to training (T1), immediately after the training period (T2) an...

OBJECTIVE The objective was to investigate effects of dieted weight reduction on walking ability in obese women. METHODS Fifty-seven obese women 44.1 +/- 10.7 years, body mass index 37.1 +/- 3.4 kg x m(-2) performed an indoor walking test. Speed, oxygen consumption and heart rate were measured, perceived exertion and pain graded and oxygen cost calculated. Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max/kg) wa...

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of most disabling disorders of the central nervous system. The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease: shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, postural instability and difficulty with walking and gait, are difficult to measure. When disease symptoms become more pronounced, the patient experiences difficulties with hand function and walking, and is prone to falls....