Visual perception and hand function in persons with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between hand function performance and visual perceptual function in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Twenty‐two participants, 19 women and 3 men, with a clinical diagnosis of MS were evaluated using the interim Australian version of the Jebsen Test of Hand Function (JTHF) (Agnew and Maas, 1982a) and the Rivermead Perceptual Assessment Battery (RPAB) (Whiting et al., 1985). Results indicated that participants exhibit hand function problems and difficulties with visuospatial and visuomotor tasks. Four of the subtests in the JTHF (card turning, manipulating small objects, moving large light objects and moving large heavy objects) were moderately to highly correlated with three RPAB subtests (right/left copying shapes, right/left copying words and cancellation) measuring inattention function. Based on task analysis, high correlation between subtests of the two assessments may indicate that both assessments involve a motor component. The suitability of these assessments for establishing relationships between hand function and non‐motor visual perceptual skills in persons with MS is therefore questioned. In view of the small sample size, however, larger‐scale research is needed to confirm this claim. The present study provides some evidence to support the neuro‐anatomical model proposed by Botez and associates (1989). Further research should aim to design an appropriate and sensitive instrument for evaluating visual perceptual dysfunction in people with MS. Copyright © 1998 Whurr Publishers Ltd.