Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Multiple Sclerosis Research, cilt.2, sa.2, ss.41-45, 2022 (Hakemli Dergi)
Objective: Approximately 66% of people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) have upper extremity dysfunction that is underestimated in the evaluation
and treatment process. Gait interference is another important motor problem identified. In pwMS, changes seen in gait parameters include
decreased stride length, decreased cadence, and decreased joint range of motion. Although the relationship between gait and arm swing has
been investigated in the general population, the existing relationship has not been clearly demonstrated for pwMS. This study aimed to examine
the relationship between upper extremity function and gait in pwMS.
Materials and Methods: The study included 29 pwMS followed at the outpatient Multiple Sclerosis Clinic of Dokuz Eylul University Hospital. The arm
function in MS questionnaire (AMSQ), nine-hole peg test (N-HPT), and Jamar hand dynamometer were used for upper extremity assessment. Gait
was assessed with weekly step count according to the SenseWear armband (SWA) and preference-based MS index (PMSI) walking subparameter.
The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), age, sex, and disease duration were recorded. The partial correlation controlling for the EDSS, age, sex,
and disease duration was used.
Results: The clinical and demographic profiles of the participants were as follows: mean age, 44.41±11.30; mean EDSS score, 3.34±1.68; mean
disease duration, 12.44±9.63; mean N-HPT, 25.72±7.13; mean Jamar score, 20.94±9.12; mean PMSI, 0.65±0.24; mean step count, 29037.9±18638.62;
mean AMSQ score, 68.86±32.40. A moderately negative correlation was found between SWA and AMSQ (r=-0.483, p=0.017). Moreover, a moderately
positive correlation was found between AMSQ and PMSI walking sub parameter (r=0.430, p=0.036).
Conclusion: The results of this study revealed no significant relationship between upper extremity performance-based measurement and gait,
whereas a significant relationship was noted between upper extremity function and gait in the self-reported assessment.
Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, upper extremity, gait