Influence of cognitive and motor abilities on the level of current functioning in people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in a wide range of disabilities. The effects of cognitive and motor dysfunctions are significant and affect level of functioning in people with MS. Objective The aim of the research was to determine the common contribution of neurological, motor and cognitive status to the overall functioning of MS patients. Method The sample consisted of 108 subjects with RRMS. The instruments used in the research included: The General Questionnaire, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, the Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, the Nine Hole Peg Test, the 25 Foot Walk Test, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Results Subjects with a mild neurological deficit had a higher level of current functioning in all domains (a lower WHODAS 2.0 score) than subjects with a moderate neurological deficit (r=0.43, p<0.001). We found a positive correlation between the level of cognitive impairment and motor deficits of both upper and lower extremities and the level of neurological deficit (p<0.001). Subjects with lower neurological deficits had significantly lower WHODAS 2.0. scores, i.e. better motor abilities of both upper and lower extremities than subjects with moderate neurological deficits (p<0.001). The greatest contribution to explaining the overall level of current functioning of people with MS had subjects’ age, cognitive abilities and motor abilities of the upper extremities. Conclusion Inverse relationship of neurological, motor and cognitive status affects the overall daily functioning of people with MS, requiring planning of comprehensive programs in the rehabilitation of people with MS.

Quantitative longitudinal natural history of eight gangliosidoses – conceptual framework and baseline data of the German 8-in-1 disease registry. A cross-sectional analysis

“…The general distribution pattern of these scores was similar to other neurodegenerative disorders, such as multiple sclerosis. 26 The baseline scores documented in this publication will be followed up longitudinally in order to describe the further natural history course of disability in gangliosides in those patients for whom WHODAS 2.0 assessment can be performed.…”

Psychometric characteristics of the Croatian and the Serbian versions of the oral health impact profile for edentulous subjects, with a pilot study on the dimensionality

“…Each questionnaire needs to be validated before it can be used in different cultures. This is due to differences in language, education, amenities, culture, social or economic factors, which are especially important in a disease-specific population ( 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ). The need existed in Croatia and Serbia for a disease-specific questionnaire for edentulous subjects.…”

“…Another study from Brazil extracted and confirmed three factors: “Physical Impact”, “Psychological Impact” and “Social Impact” ( 36 ). Five factors were found in the Chinese and Nepalese versions ( 18 , 33 ). The four factors extracted in this study could not be interpreted in a clear manner.…”

Outcome measures used in trials on gait rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis: A systematic literature review

“…Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating chronic disease of the central nervous system, and it is the most common non-traumatic cause of disability among young adults [ 1 ]. The clinical presentation and evolution of this disease is very heterogeneous, generating quite different disorders with important functional repercussions [ 2 ]. Gait impairment is one of the most common motor disorders [ 3 ] and is perceived as one of the most important bodily functions across the MS disability spectrum [ 4 ].…”