The 10-metre gait speed as a functional biomarker in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

There remains a critical need to develop biomarkers of disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mobility is a key determinant of disease status and quality of life. The present study assessed the utility of 10-metre gait speed as a functional biomarker of disability in ALS. The gait speed, ALSFRS-R score, body mass index (BMI) and forced vital capacity (FVC), measured in 50 consecutive ALS patients at the time of diagnosis were assessed. ALS patients were managed in the multidisciplinary clinic for up to three years. 10-metre gait speed was significantly reduced in ALS patients with lower limb-onset disease (0.9 ± 0.1 m/s) compared to those with upper limb (1.3 ± 0.1 m/s, p <0.01) and bulbar onset (1.2 ± 0.1 m/s, p <0.01) disease. The 10-metre gait speed correlated with the total ALSFRS-R score (R = 0.6) and the gross motor subscore (R = 0.8, p <0.001). As such, the 10-metre gait speed may serve as a robust marker of disability and disease progression in ALS.