Reduced physical activity in multiple sclerosis: The role of gait parameters, gait variability parameters and self-reported measure of gait.

BACKGROUND

It is important to understand the gait disorders that lead to physical inactivity in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical activity (PA) and gait in PwMS in a holistic manner, employing objective, subjective and patient perspective methods.

METHODS

The study cohort comprised 30 PwMS. PA was evaluated using a SenseWear Armband and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The gait was evaluated using the 10 Meter Walk Test, the Timed Up and Go Test, the GAITRite Analysis System, and the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale. Moreover, the gait variability was calculated using the data obtained from the GAITRite Analysis System.

RESULTS

The findings of this study indicate that the walking Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) value was moderately correlated with the results of both clinical gait parameters and objective gait analysis results. The moderate correlation between the moderate/total MET results and step length variability was also observed. The step count results demonstrated a moderate correlation with both clinical gait parameters and objective gait analysis results, as well as with parameters of gait variability (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings of our study indicate that PwMS with higher step counts and walking MET values demonstrated superior gait performance, reduced gait variability, and enhanced gait stability. These findings support the potential value of targeting leisure-time PA as a behavioural strategy for the prevention of gait disturbances in PwMS.