Energetic Cost of Walking and Its Physiological Correlates in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis Who Have Moderate Mobility Disability

Our findings demonstrate that aerobic power and postural sway may be important correlates of Cw in moderate MS mobility disability. Peak power output reflects a person's physiological functional reserve that is directly relevant for understanding the penalty of walking impairment on the energetic demands of walking. The association between mediolateral postural sway and Cw suggests that mechanical inefficiency controlling the trajectory of the body's center of pressure during ambulation may contribute to the elevated Cw.