The Effect of Walking Distance on EDSS Score in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

摘要

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed first to identify the range of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score by comparing the actual walking distance and the estimated walking distance of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and second, to investigate the effect of fatigue on walking distance. METHODS: Thirty MS patients and 20 age -and gender- matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. MS patients were divided into two groups according to the EDSS score. Fatigue was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and motor fatigue was measured using the 200 meter walking test. The increase in muscle tone was evaluated by Modified Ashworth Scale. The first group of MS patients and healthy control group patients were asked to estimate the distance they can walk without rest within six minutes. Then, their actual walking distance was measured for six minutes. The second group of MS patients was asked to estimate their most probable walking distance without rest; then, the actual walking distance of the patients was measured. RESULTS: In terms of FSS values, fatigue severity was different in the two MS groups (p 0.05), the second MS group’s estimated and actual walking distances were significantly different (p