MAM-36 and ABILHAND as outcome measures of multiple sclerosis hand disability: an observational study

Effects of the powerball® system on muscle strength, coordination, fatigue, functionality and quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis. A randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Although clinical and functional impairments in the lower limbs have been extensively studied in patients with MS, the upper limb (UL) are also frequently affected. Clinical impairment of the UL in patients with MS is very common with muscle strength and hand dexterity as critical factors in maintaining functional activities that are the basis for independence and quality of life in people with MS.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of a training protocol using the Powerball® system in combination with conventional physiotherapy on muscle strength, coordination, fatigue, functionality, and quality of life in persons with MS over an 8-week period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. The control group received conventional treatment, while the experimental group received additional UL training using the Powerball® system. Both groups received the same number of sessions and weeks of intervention. The following outcome measures were used: isometric grip and pinch strength, Box and Block Test (BBT), Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Abilhand scale, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), and Likert satisfaction questionnaire for the experimental group. All measures were administered at baseline, after the treatment, and during a 3-week follow-up period.

RESULTS

25 patients completed the study (12 in the experimental and 13 in the control group). The experimental group showed significant improvements in coordination and manual dexterity of the more affected UL as measured by the BBT comparing pre- to post-treatment (p = 0.048) and pre-treatment to follow-up (p = 0.001), and on the less affected UP comparing pre-treatment to follow-up (p < 0.001) and post-treatment to follow-up (p = 0.034). The Likert-type satisfaction questionnaire obtained a mean score of 89.10 (± 8.54) out of 100 points.

CONCLUSIONS

Upper limb treatment protocol using the Powerball® system, in combination with conventional physiotherapy for 8 weeks resulted in significant improvements in the intra-group analysis for UL coordination and manual dexterity in favor of the experimental group. The experimental group showed excellent satisfaction to the treatment.

[Questionnaires for arm function assessment in patients with multiple sclerosis]

Arm dysfunction is one of the disabling manifestations of multiple sclerosis (MS), especially in later stages of the disease. Assessment of the functioning of the upper limbs is necessary to objectify the course of MS, determine the effectiveness of therapy, and individualize rehabilitation measures. The tools that assess the upper extremity dysfunction include tests and questionnaires. Questionnaires (patient-reported outcome measures) represent the special importance, since the opinions and preferences of patients themselves help to implement a patient-centered approach to treatment. The article presents a brief description of three multidimensional MS-specific and four unidimensional MS-nonspecific questionnaires that used in assessment of upper limb function in MS patients. The disease-specific unidimensional Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ), specifically designed to assess the arm use in patients with MS, is discussed in more detail. The use of AMSQ in the Russian population is possible only after the procedure of cultural adaptation and validation of the Russian version.