Cross-sectional and longitudinal correlations between the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ) and other outcome measures in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

BackgroundThe Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ) is the first validated disease specific patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) designed to assess upper extremity function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). ObjectiveTo determine correlations between the AMSQ and established physician- and performance based outcome measures. MethodsIn a cross-sectional cohort of 533 patients correlations between the AMSQ and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), its functional systems, the 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) and the Timed-25 Foot Walk (T25FW) were determined. Subgroup analyses were performed as well. Also, correlations were determined in 110 of 533 patients with available longitudinal data. ResultsStrongest correlations were found in the cross-sectional cohort between the AMSQ and the EDSS (β 0.60, p<.001), the 9-HPT dominant hand (β 0.52, p<.001) and 9-HPT non-dominant hand (β 0.46, p<.001), the Pyramidal (β 0.57 p<.001) and the Cerebellar functional system (β 0.54, p<.001) of the EDSS. ConclusionThe moderate correlations between the AMSQ and several established physician- and performance based outcome measures underline that the AMSQ, an easily at long-distance administrable PROM, could be considered as a reliable outcome measure for the monitoring of MS in daily practice. Additional research is needed to support these findings.