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The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
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Self-reported maximum walking distance in persons with MS may affect the EDSS.
Warren Berger1, Michael W C Payne2, Sarah A Morrow3
1University of Western Ontario (Western), London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, 339 Windermere Road, London, ON N5A 5A5, Canada.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences
|July 19, 2017
Summary
Many persons with MS (PwMS) inaccurately estimate their walking distance, impacting the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) used for monitoring disease progression. This study highlights discrepancies between self-estimated and actual walking capacity in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is crucial for monitoring multiple sclerosis (MS) progression.
- EDSS scores from 4.0 to 7.0 are significantly influenced by a patient's maximum walking distance.
- Self-estimation of walking distance is a common practice in clinical settings for MS patients (PwMS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of self-estimated walking distance in PwMS.
- To determine the impact of self-estimation discrepancies on EDSS scores.
- To identify factors predicting inaccurate walking distance estimations in MS.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving PwMS with EDSS scores ranging from 3.5 to 7.0.
- Participants provided self-estimated maximum walking distances before performing an actual walking test.
- Comparison of estimated versus actual EDSS scores using Chi-Square analysis and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- A significant portion (43.9%) of PwMS showed a discrepancy between estimated and actual EDSS.
- The median actual EDSS (5.0) differed significantly from the median estimated EDSS (4.75) (p<0.001).
- No demographic or disease characteristics were found to predict estimation inaccuracies.
Conclusions:
- A substantial number of PwMS do not accurately estimate their maximum walking distance.
- Only 56.1% of PwMS accurately estimated their actual EDSS, indicating potential for misclassification in disability monitoring.
- Clinical reliance on self-estimated walking distance may require re-evaluation for accurate MS progression assessment.
