Walking impairment is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), affecting their ability to perform everyday activities. A 2017 pilot study published in the International Journal of MS Care investigated whether service dog assistance could immediately improve walking speed in this population.
Researchers Cecilie Fjeldstad and G. Pardo focused on individuals with ambulatory dysfunction caused by MS. The study examined changes in walking speed when participants were assisted by a trained service dog. Although the sample size was small due to the exploratory nature of the research, findings showed that walking speed improved immediately when participants walked with the help of a service dog.
This improvement is particularly significant because MS often causes gait alterations such as reduced speed, shortened stride length, and decreased distance. These impairments can significantly limit independence and quality of life. Service dogs, trained to assist with mobility tasks, may help bridge this gap by offering physical support and motivation during ambulation.
The authors noted that this study contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the role of service dogs in enhancing physical function—not just emotional or psychosocial wellbeing—in people with chronic neurological conditions. Further studies with larger samples and long-term outcomes are needed to confirm and expand on these findings.
Source: Fjeldstad, C., & Pardo, G. (2017). Immediate Effect of a Service Dog on Walking Speed in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis and Gait Dysfunction: A Pilot Study. International Journal of MS Care, 19(1), 40–41. Published February 16, 2017. https://doi.org/10.7224/1537-2073.2015-089
