Quantifying upper-limb motor impairment in people with multiple sclerosis: A physiological profiling approach.

Abstract

. Upper-limb sensory and motor impairments are common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), yet the current gold standard criteria for documenting functional impairment largely focuses on mobility, balance and postural stability. . We aimed to determine the validity of the upper-limb Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA) in people with MS by investigating whether the included domains of muscle strength, dexterity, arm stability, position sense, skin sensation and bimanual coordination 1) are sensitive in differentiating people with MS from healthy controls and 2) correlate with a validated measure of upper-limb function and a scale for quantifying disability in MS. . In a cross-sectional study, 40 participants with MS and 80 healthy controls completed all 13 of the upper-limb PPA tests within a single session. . People with MS were impaired across all physiological domains tested. Performance in 4 of the 13 tests was correlated with a validated measure of self-reported upper-limb function (Pearson's r or Spearman's rho -0.333-0.441), whereas 3 tests were associated with the degree of MS-specific disability (Spearman's rho -0.318; 0.456). . The upper-limb PPA offers a valid and clinically suitable assessment of upper-limb function in people with MS. Clinicians should prioritize assessments of motor speed, fine motor control and functional tasks in their assessment of upper-limb function in people with MS because these domains are the most commonly and significantly impaired.