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2-Minute Walk Test Offers Good Construct, Validity
Int J MS Care; ePub 2017 Sep 11; Scalzitti, et al
A recent study demonstrated good construct and discriminant validity of the 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT) in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), providing an efficient and practical alternative to the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Validation of the 2MWT with other functional measures further supports these findings. 28 ambulatory PwMS aged 18-64 years participated in this cross-sectional design and completed 5 measures of walking performance (2MWT, 6MWT, usual and fast gait speed, and the Timed Up and Go test) and 2 functional measures (Berg Balance Scale, and 5 times sit to stand test) during a testing session. They were also classified into 2 subgroups based on Disease Steps classification. Researchers found:
- The 2MWT was significantly correlated with the 6MWT (r=0.947), usual gait speed (r=0.920), fast gait speed (r=0.942), the Timed Up and Go (r=−0.911), and other functional measures.
- The 2MWT explained 89% of variance seen during 6MWT.
- The distances completed on the 2MWT and 6MWT accurately distinguished the 2 subgroups.
Scalzitti DA, Harwood KJ, Maring JR, Leach SJ, Ruckert EA, Costello E. Validation of the 2-Minute Walk Test with the 6-Minute Walk Test and other functional measures in persons with multiple sclerosis. [Published online ahead of print September 11, 2017]. Int J MS Care. doi:10.7224/1537-2073.2017-046.