title: Factors for lower walking speed in persons with multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Objective. The purpose of this study was to analyze factors related to lower walking speed in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. The study participants were 120 consecutive PwMS, who were able to walk, even with device assistance. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Walking speed was measured in 10 m walk test. Possible factors were assessed: disability, fatigue, visual functioning, balance confidence, physical activity level, walking impact, cognitive interference, and motor planning. A forward linear multiple regression analysis examined the correlation with lower speed. Results. Lower walking speed was observed in 85% of the patients. Fatigue (41%), recurrent falls (30%), and balance problems were also present, even with mild disability (average EDSS = 2.68). A good level of physical activity was noted in most of the subjects. Dual-task procedure revealed 11.58% of walking speed reduction. Many participants (69.57%) imagined greater walking speed than motor execution (mean ≥ 28.42%). Physical activity level was the only characteristic that demonstrated no significant difference between the groups (lower versus normal walking speed). Many mobility measures were correlated with walking speed; however, disability, balance confidence, and motor planning were the most significant. Conclusions. Disability, balance confidence, and motor planning were correlated with lower walking speed.
authors.affiliation: Neurology Postgraduate Program of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro State, Rua Mariz e Barros 775, 20270-004 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ; Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio de Janeiro, Rua Professor Carlos Wenceslau, 343, 21715-000 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Leandro Alberto Calazans
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Nogueira
authors.forename: Luciano Teixeira
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Dos Santos
authors.forename: Pollyane Galinari
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Sabino
authors.forename: Regina Maria Papais
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Alvarenga
authors.forename: Luiz Claudio
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Santos Thuler