Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
Adapted Resistance Training Improves Strength in Eight Weeks in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: January 29, 2016
Fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis: Is there a relationship with walking speed and mobility?
Vitória Eduarda Alves de Jesus1, Mariana da Conceição Rodrigues Ribeiro1, Sthéfany Garcia Azevedo1
1Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Background:
Fatigue is a common symptom in patients with multiple sclerosis and it can lead to activity limitations. Thus, it is important to analyze the relationship between fatigue and activity outcomes, such as walking speed and mobility.
Objectives:
To investigate the relationship between fatigue and walking speed and mobility in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was performed. Adults with multiple sclerosis, without cognitive impairments and who were able to walk were recruited. Fatigue was assessed with the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Walking speed, usual and fast, was assessed with the 10-meter Walk Test (10MWT), and mobility with the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Pearson correlation analysis was performed. A significance level of 5 % was used.
Results:
Thirty participants were included, most of the relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (n = 24, 80 %). A mean age of 41 (11) years and the median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 2.65 (2.18) points. Mean MFIS score was 41.87 ± 19.42 points, mean usual walking speed was 1.02 ± 0.28 m/s, mean fast walking speed was 1.55 ± 0.48 m/s, and the mean total time in the TUG was 10.07 ± 3.05 s. A significant negative correlation of moderate magnitude was found between fatigue and usual walking speed (r=₋0.51, p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation of moderate magnitude was found between fatigue and fast walking speed (r=₋0.54, p < 0.05). A significant, positive correlation of moderate magnitude was found between fatigue and mobility (r = 0.54, p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
There was a correlation between fatigue and walking speed and mobility in individuals with multiple sclerosis. These results highlight the need to assess fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis, since the presence of fatigue is associated with reduced walking speed and mobility.
