Importance of Strength Training of the Triceps Surae Muscles for Improvement of Walking Speed in Patients with Subacute Myelo-Optico-Neuropathy

Toshiaki Suzuki,Takayuki Nakayoshi,Sohei Yoshida

doi:10.15436/2475-6245.17.014

Abstract

Two patients with subacute myelo-optico-neuropathy (SMON) were evaluated by using the functional reach test (FRT) in the standing position, and by measuring the gait speed for 10m before and after strength training of the triceps surae muscles through calf-raise training in the standing position. The reach distance in FRT and the walking speed after strength training of the triceps surae muscles through calf raising were improved compared with those before the calf-raise training in both patients. The results of this study suggested that strength training of the triceps surae muscles improves not only the walking ability but also the balance function in patients with SMON.

Highlights

Subacute myelo-optico-neuropathy (SMON) is a disease caused by clioquinol intoxication and is characterized by subacute onset of sensory and motor disturbance in the lower extremities, as well as visual impairment after the appearance of abdominal symptoms[1,2]
Some studies have reported that activities of daily living (ADL) are limited in patients with SMON owing to their neurological symptoms[4,5]
We have observed that increasing the speed of walking was possible by improving the dorsiflexion movement of the ankle joint through strength training of the triceps surae muscles

Summary

Introduction

Subacute myelo-optico-neuropathy (SMON) is a disease caused by clioquinol intoxication and is characterized by subacute onset of sensory and motor disturbance in the lower extremities, as well as visual impairment after the appearance of abdominal symptoms[1,2]. We have observed that increasing the speed of walking was possible by improving the dorsiflexion movement of the ankle joint through strength training of the triceps surae muscles. We investigated the effect of strength training of the triceps surae muscle by using calf raising in two patients who could independently perform ADL but had a slow walking speed.

Results

Conclusion