Background: In multiple sclerosis (MS), the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) reflects disease severity. Although parts of the EDSS are dependent on actual walking distance, self-reported statements are often applied.
Objectives: The purpose of the present study was, therefore, to compare self-reported walking distance to actual walking distance to outline how this influences EDSS scoring.
Methods: MS patients with EDSS 4.0-7.5 ( = 273) were included from the Danish MS hospitals rehabilitation study ( = 427). All patients subjectively classified their maximal walking distance according to one of seven categories (>500; 300-499; 200-299; 100-199; 20-99; 5-19; 0-4 m). Subsequently, actual maximal walking distance was assessed and EDSS was determined from both self-reported walking distance (EDSS) and actual walking distance (EDSS).
Results: In 145 patients (53%), self-reported walking distance was misclassified when compared to the actual walking distance. Misclassification was more frequent in patients using walking aids (64% vs. 44%, < 0.05) and in patients with primary progressive MS (69%, < 0.05). Misclassification of walking distance corresponded to incorrect EDSS scores (EDSS vs EDSS) of ⩾0.5 point in 24%.
Conclusion: In MS patients with EDSS 4.0-7.5, 53% misclassified their walking distance yielding incorrect EDSS scores in 24%. Therefore, correct EDSS determination must be based on measurement of actual walking distance.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1352458518795416 | DOI Listing |
BMJ Open
January 2025
College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
Introduction: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) can experience intermittent claudication, which limits walking capacity and the ability to undertake daily activities. While exercise therapy is an established way to improve walking capacity in people with PAD, it is not feasible in all patients. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) provides a way to passively induce repeated muscle contractions and has been widely used as a therapy for chronic conditions that limit functional capacity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Hazard Mater
January 2025
Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil. Electronic address:
Bee population decline is associated with various stressors, including exposure to pollutants. Among these, titanium dioxide (TiO), an emerging nanoparticle (NP) pollutant, potentially affects living organisms, including bees. This study evaluates the impact of TiO NPs ingestion (1.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Biosci (Landmark Ed)
January 2025
HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary.
Backgrounds: Memory and emotion are especially vulnerable to psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is linked to disruptions in serotonin (5-HT) metabolism. Over 90% of the 5-HT precursor tryptophan (Trp) is metabolized via the Trp-kynurenine (KYN) metabolic pathway, which generates a variety of bioactive molecules. Dysregulation of KYN metabolism, particularly low levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA), appears to be linked to neuropsychiatric disorders.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPharmaceuticals (Basel)
January 2025
Department of Vascular Surgery, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary.
: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a prevalent vascular condition characterized by arterial narrowing, which impairs blood flow and manifests as intermittent claudication, a pain or cramping sensation induced by physical activity or ambulation. Walking distance is a crucial clinical indicator of peripheral artery disease, and it correlates with the disease severity and risk of mortality. It reflects the severity of the disease, with reduced mobility indicating an increased risk of morbidity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSensors (Basel)
January 2025
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Saga University, Saga 840-8502, Japan.
Infrared array sensor-based fall detection and activity recognition systems have gained momentum as promising solutions for enhancing healthcare monitoring and safety in various environments. Unlike camera-based systems, which can be privacy-intrusive, IR array sensors offer a non-invasive, reliable approach for fall detection and activity recognition while preserving privacy. This work proposes a novel method to distinguish between normal motion and fall incidents by analyzing thermal patterns captured by infrared array sensors.
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