Timed 25-foot walk test is independently associated with cognitive function in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Neuropsychology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), impacting daily life.
• The link between motor function and CI in PwMS is not well understood, especially concerning upper and lower limb function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between upper and lower extremity motor function and cognitive performance in PwMS.
• To identify predictors of cognitive status in PwMS.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study of 125 PwMS.
• Cognitive function assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II), and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R).
• Motor function evaluated with the 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) and Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25FW); hierarchical regression analysis used.

Main Results:

• The Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25FW) was the strongest predictor of SDMT, CVLT-II, and BVMT-R performance.
• Disease duration and education level also predicted cognitive outcomes.
• Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores predicted SDMT performance, while the 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) did not show an independent association with cognitive status.

Conclusions:

• The T25FW is a significant predictor of processing speed, verbal memory, and visuospatial memory in PwMS.
• T25FW serves as a practical and valuable tool for assessing cognitive status in this population.