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Walking Speed and Health‐Related Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis

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Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between slower walking and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Methods

We used North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis data to conduct a study of participants completing both the regular semiannual and supplemental spring 2010 surveys. Question 10 of the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (“How much has your MS slowed down your walking?”) was used to assess patient-perceived impact of walking speed on HRQoL. HRQoL assessments included the Short Form-12 (SF-12), EuroQoL-5 Dimension (EQ-5D), Short Form-6 Dimension (SF-6D), and a visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

A total of 3,670 registrants completed both surveys and were included. Unadjusted analyses showed that compared with those classifying the impact of MS on walking speed as “not at all” (n = 661), participants stating MS impacted their walking speed “a little” (n = 722), “moderately” (n = 486), “quite a bit” (n = 714), and “extremely” (n = 1,087) reported poorer SF-12 physical component scale (PCS) (r = −0.69, p < 0.001), mental component scale (MCS) (r = −0.16, p < 0.001), and health status index scores (r = −0.50 to −0.51 for the EQ-VAS, EQ-5D and SF-6D, p < 0.001 for all). After adjustment for demographics and additional MS-related disability and symptoms, the impact of walking speed remained significant, although less profound for the PCS (reductions of 3.59–12.31 across walking speed classifications) and index scores (reductions ranging from 1.98 to 14.06, 0.04 to 0.13, and 0.02 to 0.07 for the EQ-VAS, EQ-5D, and SF-6D). Reduction in walking speed was no longer associated with a worse MCS (p > 0.05 all classifications of walking speed).

Conclusion

Incremental decrements in HRQoL were observed as patients perceived greater levels of reduction in their walking speed.

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Acknowledgments

All authors have contributed substantially to the study and/or authoring the manuscript.

The following details the contribution of each author:

Dr. Coleman had full access to all of the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.

Study concept and design: Kohn, Baker, Sidovar, Coleman.

Acquisition of data: Sidovar, Coleman.

Analysis and interpretation of data: Kohn, Baker, Sidovar, Coleman.

Drafting of the manuscript: Kohn, Baker, Sidovar, Coleman.

Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: Kohn, Baker, Sidovar, Coleman.

Administrative, technical, or material support: Sidovar, Coleman.

Study supervision: Coleman.

Conflicts of interest

Dr. Coleman has received grant funding from Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. Mr. Sidovar is a paid employee of Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. and holds stock in the company. Drs. Kohn and Baker have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Funding

This research was funded by Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., Ardsely, NY. NARCOMS is supported by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers and its Foundation. The authors of this report take full responsibility for the integrity, accuracy, and contents of the report. The funding source reviewed the final manuscript. The authors approved the final manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs, CT, USA

    Christine G. Kohn, William L. Baker & Craig I. Coleman

  2. Evidence-Based Practice Center, University of Connecticut/Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street, Hartford, CT, 06102-5037, USA

    Christine G. Kohn & Craig I. Coleman

  3. Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, Acorda Therapeutics, Ardsley, NY, USA

    Matthew F. Sidovar

Authors
  1. Christine G. Kohn
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  2. William L. Baker
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  3. Matthew F. Sidovar
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  4. Craig I. Coleman
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Craig I. Coleman.

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Kohn, C.G., Baker, W.L., Sidovar, M.F. et al. Walking Speed and Health‐Related Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis. Patient 7, 55–61 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40271-013-0028-x

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