Gait variability across the disability spectrum in people with multiple sclerosis

Background An alternative method suggested to assess changes in walking in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) is evaluating gait variability. This is a credible option since gait variability reflects to some degree the quality of gait control. Objective Examine the impact of disability on gait variability in PwMS. Methods In this cross-sectional study, the data pool was divided into seven levels of disability based on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, ranging from 0 to 6.5. Gait variability was studied using an electronic mat. Results The final analysis included 381 PwMS (249 women); mean age 44.0 years. Non-significant differences were observed between the EDSS subgroups at the lower end of the spectrum (EDSS 0-3.5) in all gait variability parameters. In contrast, PwMS in the EDSS 5.0-5.5 group demonstrated a significant increase in variability of step length (∼ 151%), single support (∼ 93%) and step time (142%) compared with those who scored 0-3.5. Moreover, participants in the EDSS 5.0-5.5 group had elevated step length variability compared to the EDSS 4.0-4.5 group (9.3 (S.E. = 2.2) vs. 5.5 (S.E. = 0.4), P-value = 0.005). Conclusion We encourage clinicians to follow-up on the gait variability score as it appears to reflect mobility deterioration in PwMS.