A Two-Minute Walking Test With a Smartphone App for Persons With Multiple Sclerosis: Validation Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Digital Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Walking disturbances are a common challenge for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS).
• The 2-Minute Walking Test (2MWT) is a standard measure of walking speed.
• The MS sherpa app integrated a smartphone-based 2MWT (s2MWT) for at-home use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the concurrent validity of the MS sherpa s2MWT.
• To assess the test-retest reliability of the MS sherpa s2MWT.
• To determine the usability of the s2MWT in persons with MS.

Main Methods:

• A validation study involved 25 persons with MS and 79 healthy controls (HC).
• Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing s2MWT distance with pavement markers.
• Test-retest reliability was determined through multiple s2MWT assessments over time.

Main Results:

• The s2MWT showed good concurrent validity with an ICC of 0.817.
• Test-retest reliability was good, with average ICCs ranging from 0.600 to 0.648 for MS and matched HC groups.
• Participants found the s2MWT easy to perform, though results could be confronting.

Conclusions:

• The s2MWT demonstrates strong concurrent validity and test-retest reliability.
• The s2MWT is a viable tool for measuring walking distance in persons with MS.
• This digital approach can benefit both clinical research and practice for MS management.