Understanding walking activity in people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Guidelines recommend 5.000 steps/day to create health benefits. The objective is to assess (1) the number of steps PwMS take related to the degree of disability and at which intensity; and (2) the period of time they walk continuously. A total of 64 PwMS participated in the study and performed clinical tests such as the Timed 25 Feet Walk Test (T25FW) and Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale 12 (MSWS12) and wore the StepWatch Activity Monitor for 7 consecutive days. Subgroups with mild (DS 1-2, n=33) and moderate (DS 3-5, n=31) disability were distinguished, based on Disease Steps (DS). The results showed a significant difference for the total number of steps between the 2 subgroups (p<0.01). PwMS are a major part of the day inactive (76.9%). They walk 17% of the time at low (1-15 steps/min), 4% at moderate (16-40 steps/min) and 1% at high ('41 steps/min) intensity. The mild subgroup walks significant more times continuously for a period of 2 and 3 minutes than the moderate subgroup (p<0.05), whereas both groups never walk more than 10 minutes continuously at moderate or high intensity. Concluding that the walking activity is negatively influenced by the degree of disability. PwMS do not often walk at moderate and high intensity or for longer periods of time.