Google Maps Timeline: An open-access digital tool to monitor walking abilities in people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction Gait impairment is common in multiple sclerosis (MS), but difficult to evaluate in clinical practice. In this proof-of-concept observational study, we compared walking ability recorded by Google Maps Timeline to conventional clinical measures in people with MS. Methods We used open-access Google Maps Timeline to record the total number of days with walking activity, walking distance, walking time, and walking speed. Each Google Maps Timeline variable was included in a different stepwise linear regression model including all conventional clinical variables. Results We included nine people with MS (age 43.1 ± 6.6 years; females 55.6%; disease duration 12.7 ± 3.1 years; median Expanded Disability Status Scale 3.0 (range 1.0–5.5)). Higher percentage of days with recorded walking was associated with lower Fatigue Severity Scale ( p = 0.01), and higher MS Walking Scale ( p = 0.04). Longer average daily walking distance was associated with shorter Timed-25 Foot Walking Test ( p = 0.02), lower Expanded Disability Status Scale ( p = 0.01), and higher Euro-Quality of Life ( p = 0.04). Longer average daily walking time was associated with shorter Timed-25 Foot Walking Test ( p = 0.03). Higher walking speed was associated with lower Fatigue Severity Scale ( p = 0.04). Conclusion Google Maps Timeline parameters provide actual estimates of daily walking activities in MS.