Validation of the Serbian Version of Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale 88 (MSSS-88)

Abstract

ObjectiveMultiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale (MSSS)-88 has been developed for self-assessment of spasticity symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to validate MSSS-88 and evaluate the psychometric properties in patients with MS in Serbia.MethodsThe study comprised 65 MS patients with spasticity. MSSS-88 consists of 88 items grouped in eight sections. Internal consistency of the MSSS-88SR subscales was determined using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Test/retest reliability with an intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for each MSSS-88SR subscale was performed. Clinical validity of MSSS-88SR was determined by correlations with the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS).ResultsThe range of Cronbach’s alpha for all scales and ICC was 0.91–0.96 and 0.84–0.91, respectively. All ICCs were statistically significant (p<0.05). All evaluated subscales of MSSS-88 were significantly correlated with the NRS scale. The highest correlation coefficients were registered between the WL subscale and the EDSS and MAS, while the strongest relationship was observed between the MSS subscale and the NRS.ConclusionThe Serbian translated version of this instrument may be useful as a clinical measure for spasticity and functionality in patients with MS.

Evaluation of the Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale 88: A Short Report

“…The correlations between the MSSS-88 subscales and corresponding functional scales had a magnitude and pattern as expected, and the spasticity symptom specific subscales of the MSSS-88 (stiffness and spasms) showed strong and significant correlations with the clinician-rated AS. These findings show a similar pattern and magnitude of correlations to those of other validation studies in German, 10 Serbian, 11 and Italian 12 versions. Unexpected, however, were the weak and non-significant correlations between (1) the laboratory-based measure of ankle spasticity and the MSSS-88 stiffness and spasms subscales; and (2) the MSSS-88 pain subscale with either the AS or the ankle spasticity measure.…”

“…The correlations between the MSSS-88 subscales and corresponding functional scales had a magnitude and pattern as expected, and the spasticity symptom specific subscales of the MSSS-88 (stiffness and spasms) showed strong and significant correlations with the clinician-rated AS. These findings show a similar pattern and magnitude of correlations to those of other validation studies in German, 10 Serbian, 11 and Italian 12 versions.…”

Assessment and Measurement of Spasticity in MS: State of the Evidence

“…The symptoms are organized into eight subscales in clinically relevant areas: spasticity-specific symptoms (muscle stiffness, pain and discomfort, and muscle spasms), physical functioning (activities of daily living, walking, and body movements), emotional health, and social functioning [33, 34]. The MSSS has been proven to be a valid and reliable measure of the impact of spasticity in PwMS, both in English and in several other languages [34, 35]. The need for 88 questions highlights the complexity of the seemingly unidimensional concept of spasticity.…”

Subscales correlations between MSSS-88 and PRISM scales in evaluation of spasticity for patients with multiple sclerosis

“…For this purpose, the Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale (MSSS-88) has been developed to address how spasticity affects daily life of people with MS [10]. Previously, we have validated MSSS-88 in MS patients with spasticity and also provided findings on the correlation among different functional scales [11]. We hypothesized that correlations in different domains in MSSS-88 scale is expected with different domains of daily activities for patients with MS.…”