Internet-based technology in multiple sclerosis: Exploring perceived use and skills and actual performance.

Abstract

Objective: The use of Internet-based technology (IBT) is an important component of everyday living. However, persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) may face barriers to use. This study aimed to compare IBT perceived use and skills and actual performance in persons with MS and healthy controls (HCs). In addition, it aimed to examine IBT perceptions as a unique predictor of IBT performance beyond demographic, cognitive, motor, and affective factors in persons with MS. Method: Ninety-six persons with MS and 65 HCs aged 18 to 65 completed self-report and performance-based IBT measures along with assessments of cognition, motor function, and affect at a single time point. Results: The MS group reported perceptions of less IBT use and poorer skills than HCs and demonstrated worse IBT performance as per accuracy and speed on the Actual Reality. In persons with MS, IBT perceptions and performance were significantly associated. Cognition and dexterity were significantly associated with IBT performance, and anxiety was associated with IBT perceptions. Disease duration, processing speed, and IBT perceptions were unique predictors of IBT performance in the MS group within a multivariate model. Conclusion: Persons with MS present with poorer IBT performance compared with HCs, which can limit participation. Processing speed and patient perceptions of IBT use and skills should be considered in technology design and training to improve the capabilities of persons with MS to use IBT for everyday living.

Relationships between changes in daily occupations and health-related quality of life in persons with multiple sclerosis during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…One of the most reported occupational modifications in this study was the use of internet-based technology for various activities, for example, shopping and socialization. Note that previous research have shown that better cognitive skills are associated with performance of internet-based technologies in persons with MS ( Goverover et al, 2021 ). In this current study, cognitive functions were not assessed.…”

“…In this current study, cognitive functions were not assessed. However, based on the study by Goverover et al, (2021) and others that were done in older adults ( Freese et al, 2006 ), it is possible that individuals with MS with poor cognitive skills were having difficulties applying such modifications due their deficits. It is also possible that by the time the COVID-19 pandemic hit, for some activities, persons with MS may have exhausted or did not have the emotional, personal, and environmental resources for successful modification to continue engaging in these daily occupations.…”

“…The challenges imposed by the pandemic may have had an additive negative effect on various aspects of life for individuals with MS. In contrast to healthy adults, individuals with MS have diagnosis-specific medical concerns and existing activity restrictions ( Goverover et al, 2015 , 2021 ). Nonetheless, some recent studies reported that the pandemic restrictions have worsened the sleep quality of persons with MS ( Luis et al, 2021 ) and their quality of life ( Manacorda et al, 2021 ).…”

A Study Protocol for Occupational Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis

“…Despite the large interest towards assistive technology in MS, solutions are still not as widespread as they may be, because of some barriers for patients in terms of usability and feasibility, and also because of the high costs of some devices [39]. Indeed, MS patients can experience difficulties in dealing with technological devices, as well as poor skills in using it [40]. In addition, technological solutions made up of wearable devices or controllers may require external support from caregivers, limiting the independent use.…”

Introduction to the special issue on the neuropsychology of daily life.

“…The field has also lagged behind in validating psychometrically sound measures of functional capacity and manifest everyday functioning (e.g., Rabin et al, 2007). Three studies in this special issue move outside of the laboratory to examine ecologically relevant approaches to assessment of everyday functioning, including naturalistic measures of shopping (Harris et al, 2021), internet navigation skills (Goverover et al, 2021), and prospective memory (Kamberis et al, 2021).…”