Article

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there is a relationship between self-reported
fatigue and the energy cost of walking (ECw), and how self-reported fatigue and
ECw relate to physical functioning in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study, using structural equation modeling.
SETTING: Home environment and at a university medical center. PARTICIPANTS:
Patients (N=75) were obtained from a longitudinal study on outcome measurement
and functional prognosis in early MS. Patients were included if they were able to
walk for 6 minutes without being assisted by a person. The age range was between
28.0 and 69.7 years and the median Expanded Disability Status Scale was 2.5
(range, 1.0-6.5). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Self-reported fatigue was measured with the Fatigue Severity Scale, the vitality
subscale of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36),
and a visual analog scale. Physical functioning was determined with the physical
functioning subscale of the SF-36, fast walking speed, and comfortable walking
speed. The ECw (J.kg(-1).m(-1)) was measured with the energy cost of the walking
test. RESULTS: The relationship between ECw and latent variable fatigue had a
beta=-.188 (P=.236), that between ECw and physical functioning (SF-36 physical
functioning) had a beta=-.344 (P=.001), and that between fatigue and physical
functioning had a beta=-.448 (P=.000). CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue and ECw are not
related in patients with MS with mild to moderate walking problems. ECw and
fatigue are independent determinants of physical functioning.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS