The Reliability and Validity of the Figure of 8 Walk Test in Multiple Sclerosis

Balance disorder is common in people with MS. As the disease worsens, it is associated with impaired balance, difficulty walking, decreased mobility, and an increased risk of falling. Given the prevalence and clinical significance of balance dysfunction in individuals with MS, the assessment of balance has become an important focus in MS clinical practice and research. The figure of 8 Walk Test is a standard clinical measure used to evaluate the forward walking performance required in daily life. Beyond walking straight, turning ability is required in many situations in daily life such as walking around a table, avoiding obstacles and navigating the street. The gait characteristics of walking on a straight and curved road are different. During curved walking, the center of mass of the body shifts to the inner leg as the stance time of the inner leg increases, as opposed to walking on a straight track. Compared to other standardized tests, scoring is not dependent on the subjectivity of the examiner, can be administered by a person with minimal training, and requires minimal time, space, and equipment. The test assesses the ability to quickly change direction of movement and is a timed test involving the use of assistive devices.