An investigation of commonly prescribed stretches of the ankle plantarflexors in people with Multiple Sclerosis

• People with Multiple Sclerosis achieved less lengthening of the gastrocnemius when stretching.
• The plantarflexor torque during a stretch is higher with stretches in standing.
• People with Multiple Sclerosis had higher levels of background muscle activity when stretching.
• The severity of Multiple Sclerosis determines preferred stretch type and duration.
• The applied torque, stretch duration and muscle activity may influence stretch effectiveness.

BackgroundStretches are often prescribed to manage increased limb stiffness in people with Multiple Sclerosis. This study determined the ankle plantarflexor torque magnitude that people with Multiple Sclerosis can apply during four commonly prescribed stretches and determined the relationship between the applied torque and functional ability.MethodsPeople with Multiple Sclerosis (N = 27) were compared to healthy control participants (n = 15). Four stretches were investigated; stretching in step standing; using a step; pulling the ankle into dorsiflexion and standing in a frame. Joint position and forces were measured using 3D motion analysis and torque transducers. Baseline ankle strength and stiffness was measured using motor driven ankle perturbations.FindingsPeople with Multiple Sclerosis (N = 27) had higher stretch reflex amplitudes and lower strength compared to the control group (n = 15). People with Multiple Sclerosis achieved less lengthening of the plantarflexor muscle-tendon complex when stretching but similar ankle torques compared to controls. While stretching people with Multiple Sclerosis showed greater muscle activation in the ankle plantarflexors. Stretches in weight bearing positions produced higher plantarflexor torques. People with Multiple Sclerosis with lower functional ability preferred the more supported stretches (ankle pull and standing frame).InterpretationStretches in weight bearing positions achieve higher ankle torques but this is in part due to increased postural activity in people with Multiple Sclerosis. Functional ability may limit stretch effectiveness