Validation of the Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale-12 – Czech version

Czech version

Authors: J. Kolčava ¹; M. Sládečková ²; J. Kočica ¹; P. Štourač ¹; E. Vlčková ¹; J. Bednařík ¹
Authors‘ workplace: Neurologická klinika, LF MU a FN Brno ¹; Rehabilitační oddělení, FN Brno ²
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2021; 84/117(4): 367-373
Category: Original Paper
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/cccsnn2021367

Overview

Aim: Walking difficulties are a common and serious symptom of MS. A validated questionnaire for the evaluation of gait disorders in patients with MS in the Czech language is missing. The aim of this study was to create and validate the Czech version of the 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) questionnaire, a simple anamnestic tool consisting of 12 questions. Materials and methods: The Czech version of the MSWS-12 questionnaire was created by the forward-backward translation method and validated in 50 MS patients and 25 healthy volunteers. The questionnaire was administered repeatedly one week apart to assess repeatability and reproducibility. Walking was objectively assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the 25 Foot Walk (T25FW) test. The results were correlated also with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the Four-Stage Balance Test (FSBT). Results: Healthy controls scored 12.4 ± 0.7 points in the MSWS-12. In patients with MS, the values were significantly higher (P < 0.001) and reached 24.0 ± 11.8 points in average. The MSWS-12 score values closely correlated with walking tests and level of disability. i.e., the TUG test (r = 0.788; P < 0.001), T25FW test (r = 0.878; P < 0.001), EDSS (r = 0.878; P < 0.001), and FSBT (r = 0.831; P < 0.001). The repeatability assessed by Pearson´s correlation was 0.96 (P < 0.001). The reproducibility value of Cronbach’s alpha reached 0.983, which demonstrates the high internal consistency of the questionnaire. Conclusion: The Czech version of the MSWS-12 questionnaire showed very good validity in the evaluation of gait disorders in MS patients, and excellent reproducibility and internal consistency.

Keywords:

Multiple sclerosis – gait – walking speed – questionnaire – validation study

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