Functional assessment of lower extremities in hereditary spastic paraplegia.

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.