Correlates of the timed 25 foot walk in a multiple sclerosis outpatient rehabilitation clinic

Abstract

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.