Dataset Information

The Functional Gait Assessment in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Validity and Sensitivity to Change.

ABSTRACT: Background:Assessments of balance and walking are often performed in rehabilitation of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) is a test of walking balance including challenging items such as walking with a narrow base of support, with eyes closed, and backward. The aim was to investigate the validity (concurrent, discriminant, and known-groups) and sensitivity to change of the modified FGA in ambulatory individuals with MS. Methods:A convenience sample of 87 individuals with MS was included (mean age, 54 years; 79% women). Concurrent and discriminant validity was investigated using tests of dynamic balance and the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale and Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS). Known-groups validity was investigated with self-reported number of falls and use of walking devices. Sensitivity to change was investigated with data from a group balance training study. Results:The median FGA score was 15 (range, 1-26). Concurrent validity with tests of dynamic balance was moderate to strong, with the Timed Up and Go test having the highest correlation coefficient (rho = -0.74). Discriminant validity was shown with a low correlation coefficient with the MSIS psychological subscale (rho = 0.14). The FGA scores differed significantly for users of walking devices versus nonusers but not for reported falls. Sensitivity to change was moderate to low. Conclusions:The FGA is a valid measure of balance during walking in people with MS, but further investigation is required for the ability to detect people at risk for falls.

SUBMITTER: Forsberg A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7313404 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar-Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The Functional Gait Assessment in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Validity and Sensitivity to Change.

Forsberg Anette A Andreasson Malin M Nilsagård Ylva Y

International journal of MS care 20170301 2

<h4>Background</h4>Assessments of balance and walking are often performed in rehabilitation of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) is a test of walking balance including challenging items such as walking with a narrow base of support, with eyes closed, and backward. The aim was to investigate the validity (concurrent, discriminant, and known-groups) and sensitivity to change of the modified FGA in ambulatory individuals with MS.<h4>Methods</h4>A convenience ...[more]

PMID: 32607064

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Project description:Maintaining the ability to walk is one of the significant challenges in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) for keeping a good quality of life as the disease and the aging process progresses. Overground robotic (OR) wearable exoskeletons are promising tools for gait rehabilitation, but currently there is no evidence of their clinical effects on patients with MS. The present study aims to determine the effects of an OR intervention in people with MS and moderate to severe walking disabilities and ascertain if benefits are maintained over a follow-up period of 3 months. This randomized controlled trial will include 36 participants with MS. Inclusion criteria are: older than 18 years, definitive diagnosis of MS, 4.5-7 points on the EDSS (Expanded Disability Status Scale), and needing one or two canes or crutches for walking outdoors. Subjects in the control group will receive conventional physiotherapy sessions at ADEMBI (Asociación de Esclerosis Múltiple de Bizkaia) provided to control spasticity, maintain articular range and exercise balance. Subjects in the intervention group will receive the same physiotherapy but also participate in a progressive OR gait training program assisted by the EksoTM exoskeleton. The program consists of twice a week individually supervised sessions in two setting modalities: PreGait and ProStepPlus. The training parameters (duration, speed, cadence, length of steps) will be set during the first session and the progression and intensity of the intervention will be adapted to the tolerance of each participant. The primary outcome of this study is gait speed. Secondary outcomes will include physical and cognitive performance tests, clinical, fatigue and quality of life assessments, and changes in the plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines. The present trial is the first analyzing the effectiveness of an OR intervention for gait training in patients with MS. It will help clarify the applicability of robotic technologies to clinical practice, extending the functionality and quality of life of people with MS to face a successful aging process. (ACTRN12619000014156; https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=376548).

Dataset Information

The Functional Gait Assessment in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Validity and Sensitivity to Change.

Publications

The Functional Gait Assessment in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Validity and Sensitivity to Change.

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