Italian validation of the 12-item multiple sclerosis walking scale

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Clinical Assessment

Background:

• Gait impairment is a frequent challenge for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• The MS Walking Scale-12 (MSWS-12) is a patient-reported outcome measure designed to assess walking quality.
• Cross-cultural adaptation and validation are crucial for the reliable use of assessment tools in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To cross-culturally adapt the MSWS-12 for the Italian population with MS.
• To validate the adapted Italian version of the MSWS-12 (MSWS-12/IT) for assessing walking quality.

Main Methods:

• The MSWS-12 was adapted for Italian MS patients across six outpatient clinics.
• Construct validity was assessed by correlating MSWS-12/IT scores with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).
• 321 MS patients were enrolled between June and December 2013.

Main Results:

• The mean MSWS-12/IT score was 49.6 (SD: 31).
• Significant correlations were observed between MSWS-12/IT and EDSS (0.71), T25FW (0.65), and FSS (0.51).
• Correlations were found with age, disease duration, and disease course, but not gender.

Conclusions:

• The MSWS-12/IT has been successfully adapted and validated for use in Italian patients with MS.
• The MSWS-12/IT is a reliable and reproducible scale for assessing walking impairment in this population.
• This validated instrument will aid in better understanding and managing gait issues in Italian MS patients.