Human Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis: Energy Cost of Walking and Dynamic Balance
In a study with 20 people with multiple sclerosis, it was found that walking at comfortable speeds had an energy cost of 4.99 J/kg/m while fast walking cost 4.84 J/kg/m. Poor dynamic balance was linked to higher energy costs, especially at slower walking speeds.
- Tags
- #Neuroprotection
- Most relevant to
- —
Why it matters
This research highlights that balance issues in individuals with multiple sclerosis can increase the energy expenditure required for walking, suggesting that improvements in balance may help reduce this burden.
What this does not prove
The study design was cross-sectional, which limits the ability to draw causal conclusions about the relationship between dynamic balance and energy costs.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Observational
- Participants / samples
- 20 · basis not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Yes
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-09-18
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Neuroprotection, Rehabilitation
Original sources
- Primary evidenceThe cost of imbalance: how balance problems drive energy cost of walking in persons with multiple sclerosis. ↗DOI: 10.2340/jrm.v58.45814
Supporting passages (9)
study designMETHODS: In a cross-sectional cohort, 20 people with multiple sclerosis walked on an instrumented treadmill at a comfortable and fast walking speed.
subjectsMETHODS: In a cross-sectional cohort, 20 people with multiple sclerosis walked on an instrumented treadmill at a comfortable and fast walking speed.
sample sizeMETHODS: In a cross-sectional cohort, 20 people with multiple sclerosis walked on an instrumented treadmill at a comfortable and fast walking speed.
primary endpoint metDISCUSSION: Poorer dynamic balance was associated with higher energy cost of walking, predominantly at lower walking speeds.
research categoriesJointly improving walking speed and dynamic balance may reduce the energetic burden of walking in this population.
publication datePublication date: 2026-09-18
primary endpointDISCUSSION: Poorer dynamic balance was associated with higher energy cost of walking, predominantly at lower walking speeds.
findingsRESULTS: The mean energy cost of walking was 4.99 J/kg/m at a comfortable and 4.84 J/kg/m at a fast walking speed.
limitationsTitle: The cost of imbalance: how balance problems drive energy cost of walking in persons with multiple sclerosis.
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