Article

No clinical test is currently available and validated to measure the
maximum walking speed (WS) of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Since the Timed
25-Foot Walk Test (T25FW) is performed with a static start, it takes a
significant proportion of the distance for MS patients to reach their maximum
pace. OBJECTIVES: In order to capture the maximum WS and to quantify the relative
impact of the accelerating phase during the first meters, we compared the
classical T25FW with a modified version (T25FW(+)allowing a dynamic start after a
3 meters run-up. METHODS: Sixty-four MS patients and 30 healthy subjects
performed successively the T25FW and the T25FW(+). RESULTS: The T25FW(+)was
performed faster than the T25FW for the vast majority of MS and healthy subjects.
In the MS population, the mean relative gain of speed due to the dynamic start on
T25FW(+) was independent from the EDSS and from the level of ambulation
impairment. Compared to healthy subjects, the relative difference between dynamic
versus static start was more important in the MS population even in patients
devoid of apparent gait impairment according to the T25FW. CONCLUSION: The
T25FW(+)allows a more accurate measurement of the maximum WS of MS patients,
which is a prerequisite to reliably evaluate deceleration over longer distance
tests. Indirect arguments suggest that the time to reach the maximum WS may be
partially influenced by the cognitive impairment status. The maximum WS and the
capacity of MS patients to accelerate on a specific distance may be independently
regulated and assessed separately in clinical trials and rehabilitation programs.

Langue : ANGLAIS