Utilization of the Expanded Disability Status Scale as a distinctive instrument for walking impairment in persons with multiple sclerosis with mild disability

BACKGROUND: The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is a well-established clinical measure to assess disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Gait dysfunction is primarily considered for scoring only above EDSS 3.5. However, the changes in functional systems in below EDSS 3.5 may result gait disturbances. OBJECTIVE: To determine the distinctive ability of the EDSS 2.0 in terms of walking impairment as well as fatigue, depression, and quality of life in persons with MS with mild disability. METHODS: All participants underwent the neurological examination for generating an EDSS score and completed the measures of walking performance, as well as other measures of fatigue, depression, and quality of life. The participants were divided into two groups according to the EDSS scores (i.e. EDSS <2.0 and 2.0-3.5). RESULTS: Participants with EDSS 2.0-3.5 had significantly worse walking performance, as well as fatigue, depression, and quality of life levels than the participants with EDSS <2.0 (p < 0.05). The EDSS significantly correlated with the measures of walking performance, as well as other measures of fatigue, depression, and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The EDSS 2.0 has a distinctive ability in terms of walking impairment as well as fatigue, depression, and quality of life.