Potential of Timed 25-Foot Walk Values in Predicting Maximum Walking Distance in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Clinical Assessment

Background:

• Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores >= 4.0 primarily rely on maximum walking distance (MWD).
• Estimating MWD is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical practice due to logistical challenges of formal testing.
• Previous research indicates discrepancies between estimated and actual MWDs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if Timed 25-Foot Walk test (T25FW) results can predict MWD in individuals with MS.
• To establish the T25FW as a potential surrogate for MWD assessment in MS.

Main Methods:

• Post hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study involving persons with MS (EDSS 3.5-5.5).
• Measurement of both T25FW times and MWD for all participants.
• Ordinal logistic regression analysis, controlling for age, to assess the predictive value of T25FW categories on EDSS scores.

Main Results:

• The study included 38 participants with a median EDSS of 4.5; 63% had relapsing-remitting MS.
• T25FW times were categorized, and MWDs were grouped into corresponding EDSS categories.
• Ordinal logistic regression demonstrated that T25FW categories significantly predicted EDSS scores (P = .014).

Conclusions:

• Timed 25-Foot Walk test (T25FW) values show potential as a surrogate measure for estimating maximum walking distance (MWD) in MS.
• Further research is warranted to validate the T25FW's reliability in predicting MWD for clinical use.