A Delphi study to identify key gait patterns and their potential causes in people with multiple sclerosis.

Objective: This study aims to identify characteristic gait patterns in people with multiple sclerosis, to describe their key characteristics, and to identify their potential underlying causes.

Design: a 3-round Delphi study.

Participants: An international panel of 20 experts, including physiotherapists, a neurologist, rehabilitation physicians, biomechanical engineers, and movement scientists with expertise in multiple sclerosis or gait analysis.

Methods: A comprehensive list of gait characteristics and underlying impairments was compiled and analysed to identify common gait patterns and their primary features and potential causes. Consensus was defined as 67% agreement.

Results: Consensus was reached on 6 gait patterns in multiple sclerosis: (i) drop foot; (ii) insufficient push-off; (iii) stiff knee during swing; (iv) knee hyperextension during stance; (i) knee flexion in midstance; and (vi) enhanced gait variability. At least 69% agreement was achieved on the naming of the final gait patterns, their key characteristics, and the potential causes of each pattern.

Conclusion: Consensus was achieved on 6 gait patterns, their characteristics, and potential underlying causes. The identification of these gait patterns may support clinical decision-making regarding diagnostic and treatment measures, and deepen understanding of impairments that underlie walking problems in people with multiple sclerosis.