People With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Have Impaired Reactive Balance During Walking

Authors

Timothy F. Boerger, Medical College of Wisconsin
Learon McGinn, Marquette University
Megan Bellman, Medical College of Wisconsin
Marjorie C. Wang, Medical College of Wisconsin
Brian D. Schmit, Marquette UniversityFollow
Allison S. Hyngstrom, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2024

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

Gait & Posture

Source ISSN

0966-6362

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2024.02.014

Abstract

Background

People with degenerative cervical myelopathy are known to have impaired standing balance and walking abilities, but less is known about balance responses during walking.

Research question

The aim of this project was to assess reactive balance impairments during walking in people with degenerative cervical myelopothy (PwDCM). We hypothesized that center of mass motion following perturbations would be larger in PwDCM and gluteus medius electromyographic amplitude responses would be decreased in PwDCM.

Methods

Reactive balance responses were quantified during unanticipated lateral pulls to the waist while treadmill walking. Walking biomechanics data were collected from 10 PwDCM (F=6) and 10 non-myelopathic controls (F=7) using an 8 camera Vicon System (Vicon MX T-Series). Electromyography was collected from lower limb muscles. Participants walked on an instrumented treadmill and received lateral pulls at random intervals and in randomized direction at 5% and 2.5% body mass. Participants walked at 3 prescribed foot placements to control for effects of the size of base of support.

Results

As compared with controls, the perturbation-related positional change of the center of mass motion (ΔCOM) was increased in PwDCM (p=0.001) with similar changes in foot placement (p>0.05). Change in gluteus medius electromyography, however, was less in PwDCM than in controls (p< 0.001).

Significance

After experimentally controlling step width, people with mild-to-moderate degenerative cervical myelopathy at least 3 months following cervical spine surgery have impaired reactive balance during walking likely coupled with reduced gluteus medius electromyographic responses. Rehabilitation programs focusing on reactive balance and power are likely necessary for this population.

Comments

Accepted version. Gait & Posture, Vol. 109 (March 2024): 303-310. DOI. © 2024 Elsevier. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Boerger, Timothy F.; McGinn, Learon; Bellman, Megan; Wang, Marjorie C.; Schmit, Brian D.; and Hyngstrom, Allison S., "People With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Have Impaired Reactive Balance During Walking" (2024). Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications. 231.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/phys_therapy_fac/231