1 Introduction
2 Methods
2.1 Sample Descriptions
Group | N | Age (years) | Weight (kg) | Height (cm) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Multiple sclerosis (MS) | 15 | 54.3 ± 5.3 | 83.2 ± 28.3 | 170.2 ± 8.8 |
Age matched controls (AMC) | 15 | 49.7 ± 12.0 | 81.6 ± 19.4 | 171.8 ± 11.6 |
Young controls (YC) | 12 | 21.0 ± 1.2 | 70.4 ± 5.8 | 175.0 ± 7.8 |
2.2 Experimental Design and Instrumentation
Door | Direction | Hardware | Latch | Closer | Opening Force (N) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Door 1 | Pull | Lever/twist | Yes | Yes | 33.7 |
Door 2 | Push | Push plate | No | Yes | 30.8 |
Door 3 | Pull | Lever/twist | Yes | No | 5.2 |
Door 4 | Pull | Lever/twist | Yes | Yes | 50.4 |
Door 5 | Push | Panic | Yes | Yes | 28.8 |
2.3 Data Collection
2.3.1 Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters
2.4 Data Analysis
3 Results
3.1 Evacuation Circuit (EC)
3.1.1 Time to Completion
3.1.2 Door Passage
3.2 Six Minute Walk (6 MW)
3.2.1 Gait Analysis
Measure | Multiple sclerosis (MS) | Age matched controls (AMC) | Young controls (YC) |
---|---|---|---|
Average step width (mm) | 143 ± 9* | 100 ± 9 | 103 ± 10 |
Maximum step width (mm) | 265 ± 16* | 210 ± 15 | 203 ± 17 |
Maximum step length (mm) | 721 ± 41* | 887 ± 40 | 936 ± 45 |
Average velocity (m/s) | 0.75 ± 0.07* | 1.98 ± 0.07 | 1.83 ± 0.08 |
Measure | Multiple sclerosis (MS) | Age matched controls (AMC) | Young controls (YC) |
---|---|---|---|
Velocity during First Lap (m/s) | 0.81 ± 0.40 | 2.05 ± 0.24 | 1.87 ± 0.21 |
Velocity during Last Lap (m/s) | 0.69 ± 0.34 * | 1.90 ± 0.21 * | 1.81 ± 0.29 * |