Impact of Multiple Sclerosis on Load Distribution, Plantar Pressures, and Ankle Dorsiflexion Range of Motion in Women

TL;DR

Women with Multiple Sclerosis show changes in foot pressure and reduced ankle movement, which may affect their balance and walking.

Contribution

This study identifies specific biomechanical changes in women with MS that could serve as early markers of gait dysfunction.

Findings

Women with MS showed increased forefoot and decreased rearfoot loading compared to controls.

Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was significantly reduced in women with MS.

These changes suggest postural instability and potential mobility issues in MS patients.

Abstract

Alterations in static plantar pressure distribution serve as important indicators of gait and balance impairments in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In addition, the identification of altered patterns of plantar load distribution, along with restricted ankle dorsiflexion, may serve as early markers of postural instability and gait dysfunction in women with MS. Objectives: To assess differences in static plantar pressure, load distribution, and ankle dorsiflexion range of motion between women diagnosed with MS and women without the condition. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between April and December 2024. Women with MS were recruited from patient associations in the provinces of Alicante and Murcia, as well as from the neurology outpatient clinic at the Doctor Balmis University Hospital (Alicante, Spain). Static postural assessment was performed using the Neo-Plate® pressure platform, which measured maximum and mean plantar pressure (kPa), load distribution (%), contact surface area (cm2), and anterior–posterior weight distribution between the forefoot and rearfoot. The ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was assessed with a universal two-arm goniometer. All parameters were compared with those of a group of women without a diagnosis of MS. Results: Compared to women without MS, participants with MS showed a significantly greater load on the right forefoot (25.75% vs. 23.41%, p = 0.021), and reduced load on the right (23.09% vs. 26.01%, p = 0.004) and left rearfoot (26.60% vs. 30.85%, p = 0.033). Total forefoot loading was significantly higher (52.33% vs. 46.40%, p < 0.001), and rearfoot loading was lower (47.64% vs. 52.42%, p = 0.006) in the MS group. Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion was also significantly reduced in women with MS, both with the knee flexed (5.95° ± 4.50 and 6.76° ± 4.69 vs. 15.45° ± 5.04 and 14.90° ± 5.43) and extended (2.69° ± 3.69 and 3.12° ± 3.83 vs. 8.17° ± 3.41 and 8.60° ± 3.31), with all differences reaching statistical significance (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Women with MS present significant alterations in static plantar load distribution, with increased forefoot and decreased rearfoot loading, as well as markedly reduced ankle dorsiflexion, in comparison to women without the disease. These findings suggest the presence of postural imbalances associated with MS, potentially affecting functional stability and mobility.

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