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Home-Based Monitor for Gait and Activity Analysis
Published on: August 8, 2019
Accelerometry as a measure of walking behavior in multiple sclerosis
R W Motl1, L Pilutti, B M Sandroff
1Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA. robmotl@illinois.edu
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|December 18, 2012
Summary
Accelerometry accurately measures community ambulation in multiple sclerosis (MS) by correlating with clinical scores and walking performance. This study validates accelerometers as a reliable tool for assessing walking behavior in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Community ambulation is crucial for quality of life in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Objective and ecologically valid measures of walking are needed for MS management.
- Accelerometry offers a promising approach for quantifying daily walking activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate accelerometer output as a measure of community ambulation in persons with MS.
- To assess the association between accelerometer data and established clinical and performance-based MS assessments.
- To evaluate the relationship between accelerometry and gait parameters.
Main Methods:
- 256 individuals with MS participated in the study.
- Participants completed clinical questionnaires (EDSS, PDDS, MSWS-12) and functional tests (T25FW, 6MW).
- Gait analysis using GAITRite and accelerometry (Actigraph) were performed over a 7-day period.
Main Results:
- Accelerometer output showed significant correlations with EDSS, PDDS, and MSWS-12 scores.
- Strong associations were found between accelerometer data and T25FW, 6MW performance, and walking oxygen cost.
- Significant correlations were observed with key gait parameters including velocity, cadence, step length, and support times.
Conclusions:
- This study provides robust evidence supporting accelerometry as a valid measure of walking behavior in a large MS cohort.
- Accelerometry can objectively quantify community ambulation and its relationship to disability and functional performance in MS.
- The findings support the integration of accelerometry into MS research and clinical practice for monitoring walking activity.
