Table 3 Methods of assessing lower extremity health in patients with MS

Gait (biomechanics)

3D or visual gait analysis of gait parameters (e.g. step width, swing, stride length)

[46, 54,55,56, 59, 67,68,69,70, 73, 76, 77, 79, 84]

Fast walking speed

[48, 53]

Gait (ability)

2-min walk test

[49, 53, 58, 59, 61]

10-m walk test

[18, 70]

5-min walk test

[74]

Stair climb test

[18, 61]

Bessou’s locometer

[81]

Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (self-reported)

[58, 65, 67, 72, 74, 81]

Mobility

Timed up-and-go test

[18, 48, 49, 52, 58, 59, 70, 81]

Timed 25-ft walk

[44, 48, 49, 54, 58,59,60,61, 65, 74, 77, 79, 81, 83]

500-m walk

[77]

Aerobic capacity and endurance

6-min walk test

[18, 45, 58, 62, 63, 70, 79, 81]

One-legged cycling test

[62]

Physical activity

International Physical Activity Questionnaire

[67]

Muscle strength

Isokinetic dynamometry

[49, 55, 61]

Isometric dynamometry

[18, 51, 57, 61,62,63,64, 77, 79]

Dynamometer

[54, 82, 83]

Sit to stand (5 times)

[61]

Muscle endurance

Number of repetitions on seated leg press

[53]

3-min stepping test

[55]

Muscle stiffness and spasticity

Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale

[53]

Ashworth Scale

[50, 71, 81]

Tardieu Scale

[71]

Functional ambulatory score

[65]

Resistance to passive range of motion

[75]

Tendon reflexes

[75]

Dynamic or passive range of motion

[68, 69, 76]

Balance

Stabilometry or posturography

[48, 54, 63, 72]

Obstacle negotiation

[70]

Timed standing on one leg

[50, 51]

Static postural control

[58]

Centre of pressure

[52, 79]

Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale

[67, 74, 81]

Berg Balance Scale

[18, 49, 80, 81]

Specific foot assessments

Vibration perception

[50, 54, 60]

Force distribution

[66, 78]

Plantar pressure

[66, 78]

Neuropathic pain

[60]

Sudomotor function

[60]

Oedema: Fovea’s sign, Stemmer’s sign

[80]

Sensation: Semmes-Weinstein monofilament

[50]

Foot deformities

[75]