Welcome to the Podiatry Arena forums, for communication between foot health professionals about podiatry and related topics.
You are currently viewing our podiatry forum as a guest which gives you limited access to view all podiatry discussions and access our other features. By joining our free global community of Podiatrists and other interested foot health care professionals you will have access to post podiatry topics (answer and ask questions), communicate privately with other members (PM), upload content, view attachments, receive a weekly email update of new discussions, earn CPD points and access many other special features. Registered users do not get displayed the advertisments in posted messages. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our global Podiatry community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease. The spine becomes rigid from the occiput to the sacrum, leading to a stooped position. This study aims at evaluating AS subjects gait alterations. Twenty-four subjects were evaluated: 12 normal and 12 pathologic in stabilized anti-TNF-alpha treatment (mean age 49.42 (10.47), 25.44 (3.19) and mean body mass index 55.75 (3.19), 23.73 (2.7), respectively). Physical examination and gait analysis were performed. A motion capture system synchronized with two force plates was used. Three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics of trunk, pelvis, hip, knee and ankle were determined during gait. A trend towards reduction was found in gait velocity and stride length. Gait analysis results showed statistically significant alterations in the sagittal plane at each joint for AS patients (P < 0.049). Hip and knee joint extension moments showed a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.044). At the ankle joint, a decreased plantarflexion was assessed (P < 0.048) together with the absence of the heel rocker. Gait analysis, through gait alterations identification, allowed planning-specific rehabilitation intervention aimed to prevent patients' stiffness together with improve balance and avoid muscles' fatigue.
Confirmation of the spinal spring model of gate mechanics.
Hans Albert Quistorff, LMP
Antalgic Posture Pain Specialist http://reflexposturology.weebly.com/
BACKGROUND:
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can lead to increased axial and peripheral joint stiffness, impairing joint mobility. Impaired axial mobility due to vertebral ankylosis may result in changes in standing postural control. Little research has addressed changes in standing postural control in the ankylosing spondylitis population, nor how these issues might affect clinical understanding and treatment.
METHODS:
Sixteen ankylosing spondylitis patients, and 17 healthy controls participated. Each individual completed two 120-second quiet standing trials with eyes open and eyes closed, while standing upon two force platforms. Net center of pressure displacement and mean power frequency in the frontal and sagittal planes were calculated. A Spearman's rank correlation analysis was performed between net center of pressure measures and several clinical measures of disease activity.
FINDINGS:
Frontal plane net center of pressure displacement and frequency content, and sagittal plane net center of pressure displacement were significantly greater within the ankylosing spondylitis patient group. Ankylosing spondylitis patients demonstrated a significant increase in frontal plane net center of pressure displacement in the eyes-closed condition. Net center of pressure displacement and frequency were significantly correlated to the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, and individual components of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index.
INTERPRETATION:
Quiet standing postural control was altered particularly so in the frontal plane in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, which may be associated with increased fall risk. Posturographic measures of postural control may serve as valuable clinical tools for the monitoring of disease progression and disease status in ankylosing spondylitis.
Impaired Gait in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Linear Mode
