Article

The Timed 25 Foot Walk (T25FW), a test of maximum walking speed on a short
distance, is commonly used to monitor ambulation status and to assess treatment
outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS). The main aim of this study was to determine
how walking speed on the T25FW correlates with other clinician-reported and
patient-reported measures in an outpatient MS rehabilitation clinic. We analyzed
cross-sectional data systematically collected during a physiatry evaluation for
the management of spasticity and walking limitations. In addition to demographic
variables and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), measures of body
functions [lower extremity manual muscle testing (LE MMT), lower extremity
Modified Ashworth Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, leg pain], and measures of
activity and quality of life (reported frequency of falls, Incapacity Status
Scale, Rivermead Mobility Index, EQ5D health questionnaire, and Patient Health
Questionnaire-9 items) were administered. A multivariate regression analysis was
carried out. 199 patients were included in the analysis [age 49.41 (9.89) years,
disease duration 15.40 (10.22) years, EDSS score 5.6 (1.2), and T25FW speed 70.93
(44.13) cm/s]. Both EDSS and LE MMT were correlated significantly with T25FW
speed (R=0.692, P<0.001). After adjusting for EDSS and LE MMT, lower T25FW speed
was associated with higher Incapacity Status Scale scores (R=0.316, P<0.001),
lower Rivermead Mobility Index scores (R=0.540, P<0.001), and higher frequency of
falls. EQ5D and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items were not significantly
associated with T25FW speed. Our findings support the clinical relevance of the
T25FW in the rehabilitation of patients with MS.

Langue : ANGLAIS