Upper Limb Dexterity in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Scales to assess disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) rarely provide reliable data on actual global impairment. Upper limb dysfunction is usually overlooked, which has a negative effect on patient well-being. We sought to analyze associations among upper limb dexterity, lower limb speed, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score; the difference in upper limb dexterity between patients with EDSS scores less than 5 and 5 or greater; and the associations that upper limb dexterity, lower limb speed, and EDSS score have with health-related quality of life measurements and depression. Methods: A total of 140 adults with MS were evaluated using the Nine-Hole Peg Test, Timed 25-Foot Walk test, EDSS, Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQoL) questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory. Thorough descriptive-analytical research was conducted using the Spearman correlation, multiple linear regression, and structural equation modeling. Results: Upper limb dexterity was more closely related to EDSS score than lower limb speed (r = 0.43 vs 0.29, R2 = 0.38) and was greatest in patients with EDSS scores less than 5 (P 1.96). Conclusions: Upper limb dexterity is associated with global disability, depression, and health-related quality of life. We advocate for the assessment of upper limb dexterity in patients with MS to adopt a better approach to their functional impairment. Int J MS Care. 2021;23:79-84.