Article

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cost of walking in individuals with multiple sclerosis
and to investigate its relationship with dyspnoea and fatigue. METHODS: In 46
individuals with multiple sclerosis and in 36 healthy controls, the cost of
walking was measured during the 6-min walk test. Perceived breathlessness after
walking was rated on a visual analogue scale and corrected for the distance
walked. The subjects' perceived effect of fatigue was assessed by means of the
Modified Fatigue Impact Scale. RESULTS: The cost of walking was significantly
higher in individuals with multiple sclerosis than in controls; however,
individuals with multiple sclerosis with normal walking speeds had normal costs
of walking. The cost of walking was directly related to the degree of disability,
but not to breathlessness perception and fatigue. Individuals with an Expanded
Disability Status Scale score greater than 2.5 were highly likely to show an
increased cost of walking. Breathlessness perception was higher than in controls
and was related to fatigue. CONCLUSION: Individuals with multiple sclerosis, even
with mild disability and not requiring any assistive devices, may have an
increase in cost of walking. This suggests that an aerobic training programme
should be considered in these patients. Energy expenditure when walking is not a
determinant of fatigue or exertional dyspnoea in individuals with multiple
sclerosis and low levels of disability.

Langue : ANGLAIS