Accelerometry as a measure of walking behavior in multiple sclerosis. (13th December 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Motl, R. W.; Pilutti, L.; Sandroff, B. M.; Dlugonski, D.; Sosnoff, J. J.; Pula, J. H.
• Is Part Of: Acta neurologica Scandinavica. Volume 127:Number 6(2013:Jun.)
• Page Start: 384
• Page End: 390
• Publication Date: 2012-12-13
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1111/ane.12036
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-6314

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="ane12036-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="ane12036-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>Accelerometry has been identified as a possible ecologically valid and objective approach for measuring community ambulation in multiple sclerosis (MS). This study provides a validation of accelerometer output based on associations with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) Scale, and Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale‐12 (MSWS‐12) scores, timed 25‐foot walk (T25FW) and 6‐min walk (6MW) performance, oxygen cost (O<sub>2</sub> cost) of walking, and spatial and temporal parameters of gait.</p> </sec> <sec id="ane12036-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Materials and Methods</title> <p>256 persons with MS completed the PDDS and MSWS‐12, underwent an examination for the generation of an EDSS score, undertook two T25FW tests and a 6MW while wearing a portable metabolic unit for measuring the O<sub>2</sub> cost of walking, completed two trials of comfortable walking on a GAITRite electronic walkway for measuring spatial and temporal parameters of gait, and then wore an Actigraph accelerometer during the waking hours of a 7‐day period.</p> </sec> <sec id="ane12036-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The accelerometer output was significantly correlated with EDSS (ρ = −0.522), PDDS (ρ = −0.551), and MSWS‐12 (ρ = −0.617) scores, T25FW (ρ = −0.595) and 6MW (ρ = 0.630) performance, and O<sub>2</sub> cost of walking (ρ = −0.457). Regarding gait parameters, the accelerometer output was significantly correlated with velocity (ρ = 0.420), cadence (ρ = 0.349), step time (ρ = −0.353), step length (ρ = 0.395), double support (ρ = −0.424), and single support (ρ = 0.400).</p> </sec> <sec id="ane12036-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>We provide comprehensive evidence from a large sample of persons with MS that further supports accelerometry as a measure of walking behavior.</p> </sec> </abstract>