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HERO ID
3219562
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Unilateral and bilateral upper limb dysfunction at body functions, activity and participation levels in people with multiple sclerosis
Author(s)
Bertoni, R; Lamers, I; Chen, CC; Feys, P; Cattaneo, D
Year
2015
Volume
21
Issue
12
Page Numbers
1566-1574
Language
English
PMID
25662346
DOI
10.1177/1352458514567553
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
There has been limited research on upper limb dysfunction in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this paper is to study unilateral and bilateral upper limb dysfunction at different International Classification of Functioning (ICF) levels according to overall disability in PwMS.
METHODS:
A total of 105 PwMS (16 with EDSS<4 (mild); 17 with EDSS 4-5.5 (moderate); 37 with EDSS 6-6.5 (severe); 35 with EDSS>6.5 (severe non-ambulant)) were recruited from two rehabilitation centers and assessed in a cross-sectional study.
RESULTS:
The whole sample showed a diminished sensory function (median (first/third interquartile)) score of 3 (2/3) on the Monofilament Test and a reduced strength 91 (76/100) points on the Motricity Index (Body-Function level). Sensory dysfunction did not increase with higher EDSS while strength decreased from 100 (86/100) in the mild subgroups to 91 (80/100) points in the severe subgroup. All showed diminished dexterity, scoring 0.28 peg/s (0.17/0.35) on the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT) (activity level). Score was better for the mild (0.38 (0.35/0.46)) peg/s compared to the severe subgroup (0.28 (0.17/0.35)). Sixty-eight percent, 44% and 75% of PwMS showed bilateral disorders in sensation, strength and dexterity, respectively. The Community Integration Questionnaire (participation level) showed a 35% reduction in home activities, even among PwMS with EDSS<4.
CONCLUSION:
This study showed uni-/bilateral upper limb abnormalities at all ICF levels increasing with the overall disability.
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