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

Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores of 4.0 or greater are determined primarily by maximum walking distance (MWD). Estimation of MWD by persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) is often used due to the impracticality of formally walking a person with MS in a clinic setting. Previous studies have demonstrated discrepancies between estimated and actual MWDs. Whether Timed 25-Foot Walk test (T25FW) values can be used to predict MWD is currently unknown. This study aimed to determine whether T25FW time is predictive of MWD in persons with MS.

This study is a post hoc analysis of a previously described prospective cohort study. Persons with MS with an EDSS score of 3.5 to 5.5 were included. The participant's T25FW values and MWD were measured.

Of the 38 adult participants (mean age, 50.8 years; 27 women [71%]), 24 (63%) had relapsing-remitting MS. The median EDSS score was 4.5 (range, 3.5-5.5). The T25FW times were divided into seven categories (<5.0, 5.0-5.9, 6.0-6.9, 7.0-7.9, 8.0-8.9, 9.0-9.9, and ≥10.0 seconds). The MWDs were divided into corresponding EDSS score categories: ≥500, 300-499, 200-299, 100-199, and ≤99 m. Ordinal logistic regression, when controlled for age, found the T25FW categories to be predictive of EDSS score (χ² = 17.630, df = 7, P = .014).

The T25FW value may be used as a surrogate estimate of MWD. Further studies are needed to confirm the reliability of the T25FW in predicting MWD.