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.