Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire Research Articles

Older age, higher perceived disability and depressive symptoms predict the amount and severity of work-related difficulties in persons with multiple sclerosis

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aims to identify the predictors of work-related difficulties in a sample of employed persons with multiple sclerosis as addressed with the Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Job Difficulties.Materials and methods: Hierarchical linear regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of work difficulties: predictors included demographic variables (age, formal education), disease duration and severity, perceived disability and psychological variables (cognitive dysfunction, depression and anxiety). The targets were the questionnaire’s overall score and its six subscales.Results: A total of 177 participants (108 females, aged 21–63) were recruited. Age, perceived disability and depression were direct and significant predictors of the questionnaire total score, and the final model explained 43.7% of its variation. The models built on the questionnaire’s subscales show that perceived disability and depression were direct and significant predictors of most of its subscales.Conclusions: Our results show that, among patients with multiple sclerosis, those who were older, with higher perceived disability and higher depression symptoms have more and more severe work-related difficulties. The Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Job Difficulties can be fruitfully exploited to plan tailored actions to limit the likelihood of near-future job loss in persons of working age with multiple sclerosis.Implications for rehabilitationDifficulties with work are common among people with multiple sclerosis and are usually addressed in terms of unemployment or job loss. The Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Job Difficulties is a disease-specific questionnaire developed to address the amount and severity of work-related difficulties.We found that work-related difficulties were associated to older age, higher perceived disability and depressive symptoms.Mental health issues and perceived disability should be consistently included in future research targeting work-related difficulties.

Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis: Evaluation and Validation of the DYMUS Questionnaire.

The 10-item Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis (DYMUS) questionnaire is a self-administered tool used to identify swallowing problems in adults with MS. The questionnaire was not validated against other existing questionnaires to assess its convergent validity. Moreover, its test-retest reliability was not measured previously. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the factor analysis, internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the DYMUS, as well as its convergent validity against an established and validated questionnaire, the EAT-10. English-speaking adults with MS in New South Wales, Australia who were seen for routine medical check-ups were invited to complete two questionnaires across two phases. One hundred participants completed phase 1, while 55 completed phase 2. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate the psychometric properties of the DYMUS questionnaire. Internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha) reduced the DYMUS questionnaire from ten to five items. The shortened version of the DYMUS showed high internal consistency (alpha=0.904). It also showed satisfactory reproducibility, and adequate correlation with the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10). Evaluation of the DYMUS resulted in a shortened version of the questionnaire with five questions related to dysphagia. This shortened version is considered an easy and useful tool in identifying patients with MS-related dysphagia.

The Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire was successfully translated to German

The Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire was successfully translated to German

Neuropsychological Training of Attention Improves MS-Related Fatigue: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study

Background: Attentional deficits may be pathophysiologically relevant in MS-associated fatigue. Patients and Methods: Thirty MS patients with fatigue and attentional deficits in neuropsychological testing participated in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. The intervention group (IG; n = 14) was treated with 10 h of computerized, specific neuropsychological training performing simple reaction time tasks, whereas the control group (CG; n = 16) also runs through computerized, but unspecific neuropsychological training using tasks without time components. The subjective feeling of fatigue was assessed with the Würzburg Fatigue Inventory for Multiple Sclerosis (WEIMuS) questionnaire, and testing of alertness was used as an objective measure at baseline and after the 2-week study period. Results: Reaction times of alertness were significantly decreased in IG but not CG after 2 weeks. The subjective feeling of fatigue was ameliorated in both groups but more pronounced in IG. Effect sizes were below 0.7 for alertness and WEIMuS scores in CG but large and clinically meaningful in IG for both measures. Conclusions: Our pilot study suggests that neuropsychological training of attention may improve both measures of fatigue. The parallel improvement of attentional deficits and subjective fatigue after specific neuropsychological training support previous findings that fatigue may be at least partially caused by impaired intensity of attention.

Development and validation of the coping with multiple sclerosis questionnaire

BackgroundDevelopment of a self-report measure of coping with multiple sclerosis is required based on cultural factors, which can advance our understanding of the level of coping for care planning and improvement of coping and quality of life. The current study aimed to develop and validate the scale of coping with Multiple Sclerosis. MethodsThis methodological study was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, the concept of coping with MS was defined by the hybrid model. In the second phase, the item pool was generated from findings of the first phase. In the third phase, psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated including face, content and construct validity as well as reliability. Results192 items in primary item pool were finally reduced to 35 items after evaluating the validity (face, content and construct validity) and reliability. Factor analyses revealed five factors: self-efficacy, self-regulation, accepting the current situation, treatment seeking and adherence to it, and emotional balance. Internal consistency and stability of the developed questionnaire confirmed with 0.93 and 0.96 respectively that indicated excellent reliability. ConclusionThe 35-item developed questionnaire is valid and reliable for assessment of levels of coping in Iranian people with MS.

Diagnostic evaluation of dysphagia in multiple sclerosis patients using a Persian version of DYMUS questionnaire

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological disease that may cause swallowing disorders. Dysphagia is a common problem, which patients with different levels of disability may encounter, but it is usually underestimated; therefore, effective assessments need to be performed before any serious complications. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency and characteristics of dysphagia in multiple sclerosis patients of Khuzestan MS society, using a Persian version of Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis (DYMUS) questionnaire. Method105 consecutive MS patients (84 F and 21 M, mean age 33.8 ± 8.5 years, mean disease duration 3.5 ± 3.1 years, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 1.8 ± 1.3) participated in the study and the DYMUS questionnaire was administered by a trained speech therapist. ResultsThe results have shown that 55 MS patients (52.4%) had dysphagia and the dysphagia was significantly associated with the disease course of MS (p = 0.02). However, significant associations between DYMUS values and EDSS, disease duration, age, and gender were not observed. (Respectively, p = 0.4, p = 0.09, p = 0.1, p = 1.0). In the dysphagia group, based on dysphagia severity, 17.1% and 35.2% of patients had mild and alarming dysphagia, respectively. Although, the patients with alarming dysphagia had longer disease duration, higher EDSS score and more with SP, PP and PR disease course than the patients with mild dysphagia, these differences were not significant. ConclusionThe oropharyngeal dysphagia in MS patients is very common even in early stages of the disease; therefore, it is important to assess these patients carefully and to initiate a treatment program if needed.

Patient-reported questionnaires in MS rehabilitation: responsiveness and minimal important difference of the multiple sclerosis questionnaire for physiotherapists (MSQPT)

BackgroundThe Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Physical Therapists (MSQPT) is a patient-rated outcome questionnaire for evaluating the rehabilitation of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Responsiveness was evaluated, and minimal important difference (MID) estimates were calculated to provide thresholds for clinical change for four items, three sections and the total score of the MSQPT.MethodsThis multicentre study used a combined distribution- and anchor-based approach with multiple anchors and multiple rating of change questions. Responsiveness was evaluated using effect size, standardized response mean (SRM), modified SRM and relative efficiency. For distribution-based MID estimates, 0.2 and 0.33 standard deviations (SD), standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change were used. Triangulation of anchor- and distribution-based MID estimates provided a range of MID values for each of the four items, the three sections and the total score of the MSQPT. The MID values were tested for their sensitivity and specificity for amelioration and deterioration for each of the four items, the three sections and the total score of the MSQPT. The MID values of each item and section and of the total score with the best sensitivity and specificity were selected as thresholds for clinical change.The outcome measures were the MSQPT, Hamburg Quality of Life Questionnaire for Multiple Sclerosis (HAQUAMS), rating of change questionnaires, Expanded Disability Status Scale, 6-metre timed walking test, Berg Balance Scale and 6-minute walking test.ResultsThe effect size ranged from 0.46 to 1.49. The SRM data showed comparable results. The modified SRM ranged from 0.00 to 0.60. Anchor-based MID estimates were very low and were comparable with SD- and SEM-based estimates. The MSQPT was more responsive than the HAQUAMS in detecting improvement but less responsive in finding deterioration. The best MID estimates of the items, sections and total score, expressed in percentage of their maximum score, were between 5.4% (activity) and 22% (item 10) change for improvement and between 5.7% (total score) and 22% (item 10) change for deterioration.ConclusionsThe MSQPT is a responsive questionnaire with an adequate MID that may be used as threshold for change during rehabilitation of MS patients.Trial registrationThis trial was retrospectively (01/24/2015) registered in ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT02346279.

Measurement properties of the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ): a study based on Classical Test Theory

Purpose: The construct validity, test–retest reliability, and measurement error of the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ) were examined. Additionally, the influence of administration-method on reliability and measurement error was investigated.Method: 112 Dutch adult MS-patients from an academic- and a residential care-facility participated. Questionnaires were administered on paper, online or as interview, and patients performed several performance tests. Construct validity was assessed by testing pre-defined hypotheses. Reliability was assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs), Standard Error of Measurements (SEMs) and Smallest Detectable Changes (SDCs).Results: For construct validity (N = 105) 9 of 13 hypotheses were confirmed (69%). As expected, the AMSQ showed moderate to strong relationships with the instruments measuring similar constructs. The test–retest reliability coefficient was 0.96 (95% Confidence Interval 0.94–0.97); SEM was 6.3 (6.3% of scale range); SDC was 17.5 (on a sale from 0 to 100). Different administration-methods showed good reliability (ICC 0.88–0.94) and small standard errors (SEM 5.6–7.2).Conclusion: The AMSQ shows satisfying results for validity and excellent reliability; allowing for proper use in research. Due to a large SDC value, caution is needed when using the AMSQ in individual patient care. Further research should determine whether the SDC is smaller than the minimal important change.Implications for RehabilitationThe Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ) measures activity limitations due to hand and arm functioning in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).Results of this study confirm adequate validity and reliability of the AMSQ in patient with MS.The equivalence of scores from online, paper or interview administration is supported.A change score of ≥18 points on the scale of the AMSQ (on a scale 0–100) needs to occur to be certain a change beyond measurement error has occurred in an individual patient.

A Systematic Review of Patient- or Proxy-Reported Validated Instruments Assessing Pediatric Dysphagia.

Pediatric dysphagia occurs in 500,000 children each year; however, there is not a common tool to assess these children. Our aim was to identify validated patient- or parent-reported outcome assessment tools evaluating pediatric dysphagia. Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL electronic databases (all indexed years through August 2014). Inclusion criteria included English-language articles containing instruments evaluated in children. Two investigators independently reviewed all articles, and the review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). The initial search yielded 1697 abstracts; 158 studies were assessed further. Four symptom questionnaires, validated in adults, were used to report pediatric dysphagia outcomes. Four outcomes tools assessing dysphagia were validated in pediatrics in selected populations. The Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis questionnaire and the Dysphagia Symptom Questionnaire for eosinophilic esophagitis were validated in adolescents and adults. The Symptom Questionnaire for Eosinophilic Esophagitis was validated in children with eosinophilic esophagitis. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Gastrointestinal Symptoms Module, validated in children with gastrointestinal disorders, includes 2 domains that assess swallowing function. We did not identify any validated patient- or parent-reported outcome assessment tools examining dysphagia symptoms in a general pediatric population. However, we identified 4 questionnaires that have been validated in specific pediatric disease cohorts. Having a standardized assessment instrument validated in all children would allow clinicians to systematically report symptoms and compare results of pediatric clinical trials. With this in mind, we recommend establishing a standard questionnaire for the broader pediatric population.

Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Job Difficulties (MSQ-Job): definition of the cut-off score

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) mainly affects people of working age. The Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Job Difficulties (MSQ-Job) was designed to measure difficulties in work-related tasks. Our aim is to define cut-off score of MSQ-Job to identify potential critical situations that might require specific attention. A sample of patients with MS completed the MSQ-Job, WHODAS 2.0 and MSQOL-54 respectively for work difficulties, disability and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) evaluation. K-means Cluster Analysis was used to divide the sample in three groups on the basis of HRQoL and disability. ANOVA test was performed to compare the response pattern between these groups. The cut-off score was defined using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses for MSQ-Job total and count of MSQ-Job items scores ≥3: a score value corresponding to the maximum of the sensitivity-to-specificity ratio was chosen as the cut-off. Out of 180 patients enrolled, twenty were clustered in the higher severity group. The area under the ROC curve was 0.845 for the MSQ-Job total and 0.859 for the count of MSQ-Job items scores ≥3 while the cut-off score was 15.8 for MSQ-Job total and 8 for count of items scored ≥3. We recommend the use of MSQ-Job with this calculation as cut-off for identifying critical situations, e.g. in vocational rehabilitation services, where work-related difficulties have a significant impact in terms of lower quality of life and higher disability.

Patient reported questionnaires in MS rehabilitation: Testing responsiveness and minimal important difference (MID) of the french version of the multiple sclerosis questionnaire for physiotherapists (MSQPT)

The Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Physical Therapists (MSQPT) is a PRO Questionnaire for the evaluation of rehabilitation of persons with multiple sclerosis. The focus of this study is to evaluate the responsiveness and MID of the French Version of the MSQPT. We used a combined anchor and distribution-based approach with multiple anchors and multiple transition questions. The intervention ( n = 31) included MSQPT, HAQUAMS, EDSS, 6-Meter Timed Walking Test, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT). Responsiveness was evaluated using ES, SRM and Modified SRM. The anchor-based and distribution-based estimates (0.33 and 0.5 SD, SEM, MDC 90 and MDC 95 ) were calculated . The specificity of the thresholds for change and the correlation between the physical tests and the items and groups of the MSQPT were determined. The relative efficiency between MSQPT and HAQUAMS was estimated. The main ES for deterioration laid between 0.41 and 0.93 and for improvement range from 0.42 to 1.23. The SRM estimates were generally higher than the ES (deterioration 0.89 to 2.14, improvement 1.08 to 2.14). Main modified SRMs ranged from 0.03 to 0.31 and were acceptable. The specificity of the thresholds for change ranged from 0.25 to 0.83. Comparing responsiveness of the German and French MSQPT, the data was not unambiguous, but in general the differences between estimates were small. The correlations between the BBS and 6MWT and the items and groups of the MSQPT were reasonable to high (0.51 to 0.74). The MSQPT seemed to be more efficient than the HAQUAMS in detecting improvement but less efficient in finding deterioration. Due to the small sample size the significance of this survey is limited. The available evidence indicates that the French MSQPT is a responsive PRO questionnaire, with similar psychometric characteristics as the original MSQPT and with adequate MID that may be used as thresholds for change in the treatment of persons with MS.

The French version of the multiple sclerosis questionnaire for physiotherapist (MSQPT), a reliable and valid method for the evaluation of the treatment of persons with multiple sclerosis

The Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Physiotherapists (MSQPT) is a German disease-specific self-rating questionnaire that is reliable and valid. The present study's objective is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the French translation of the MSQPT. The German MSQPT was translated using the same procedure in translating the SF-36 into the different languages. The quality of the translation, the reliability and validity of the French version and the acceptance of the assessment by the physiotherapists were evaluated. A multicenter intervention (pretest n = 5, validation n = 31, test retest n = 16) included the MSQPT, SF-36 and self-administered EDSS. Finally, the treating physiotherapists filled out a questionnaire to estimate the acceptance of the MSQPT. The rating of clearness, everyday speech and conformity of concept of the final translation was high for most items. The final French MSQPT did not show any further problems in the pretest. The validation survey denoted few missing data (MSQPT 0.64%, test-retest 0.09%, SF-36 0.77%). The criterion validity between the MSQPT and the SF-36 was high (activity r = 0.85, participation associated factors compared with social functions, vitality and well-being r = 0.47–0.74, pain r = 0.64). The French MSQPT had an internal consistency of 0.84 (Crohnbach α). The two main groups had an internal consistency of 0.82 and 0.87. The reliability was high to very high for many items, the activity group ( r = 0.93) and the total score ( r = 0.95). The participation group had a lower reliability score ( r = 0.66). The acceptance of the MSQPT by the treating physiotherapists was high. The physiotherapists rated the MSQPT among other things as simple, comprehensible, efficient, not time-consuming and very useful. The French MSQPT is a well-translated questionnaire with high quality and with psychometric properties comparable to the original German version. The results suggest that the French MSQPT can be used in the evaluation of the physiotherapeutic treatment of persons with MS.

The Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ): development and validation of a new tool using IRT methods

Purpose: We developed the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire (AMSQ) to measure arm and hand function in MS, based on existing scales. We aimed at developing a unidimensional scale containing enough items to be used as an itembank. In this study, we investigated reliability and differential item functioning of the Dutch version. Method: Patients were recruited from two MS Centers and a Dutch website for MS patients. We performed item factor analysis on the polychoric correlation matrix, using multiple fit-indices to investigate model fit. The graded response model, an item response theory model, was used to investigate item goodness-of-fit, reliability of the estimated trait levels (θ), differential item functioning, and total information. Differential item functioning was investigated for type of MS, gender, administration version, and test length. Results: Factor analysis results suggested one factor. All items showed p-values of the item goodness-of-fit statistic above 0.0016. The reliability was 0.95, and no items showed differential item functioning on any of the investigated variables. Conclusion: AMSQ is a unidimensional 31-item questionnaire for measuring arm function in MS. Because of a well fit in a graded response model, it is suitable for further development as a computer adaptive test.Implications for RehabilitationA new questionnaire for arm and hand function recommended in people with multiple sclerosis (AMSQ).Scale characteristics make the questionnaire suitable for use in clinical practice and research.Good reliability.Further development as a computer adaptive test to reduce burden of (repetitive) testing in patients is feasible.

Development and validation of the multiple sclerosis questionnaire for the evaluation of job difficulties (MSQ-Job).

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects young adults of working age. Difficulties in work-related activities are usually ascribed to MS symptoms, while the impact of workplace features is underestimated. This article presents the Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Job Difficulties (MSQ-Job), designed to assess working difficulties due to MS symptoms and workplace features. A sample of employed MS patients completed the MSQ-Job, the WHO-Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) and the 54-items MS Quality of Life Questionnaires (MSQOL-54); the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) was used to define MS severity. Factor structure was evaluated using principal component extraction and Oblimin rotation; internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's alpha; construct and discriminant validity using t-test (EDSS 0-2 vs >2; patients self-reporting need for support vs patients reporting no needs; full-time vs part-time employees); and Pearson's correlation with WHODAS 2.0 and MSQOL-54. The MSQ-Job is a 42-item questionnaire with six scales and an overall factor. Scores range on a 0-100 scale (higher scores indicate more and more severe difficulties); patients with EDSS>2 and self-reporting support needs had worse scores than those with EDSS 0-2 and without needs. Correlations with WHODAS 2.0 and MSQOL-54 were generally significant (P < 0.0007) and below 0.70. The MSQ-Job jointly measures the impact of respondents' symptoms and workplace features on work activities and enables to assess the effects of clinical and occupational interventions and better describe the impact of MS indirect costs.

Predictors of Fear of Sexual Rejection in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that is often associated with a myriad of physical and cognitive impairments. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common yet often overlooked symptom in MS. The present study aimed to explore one type of SD, namely perceived fear of sexual rejection among individuals with MS. Predictor variables, including gender, age, employment status, bladder/bowel symptoms, mental health status, and disease severity were explored. The sample comprised of 5,979 respondents to the spring 2006 North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire. Respondents who answered the fear of sexual rejection item on the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire-19 (MSISQ-19) in the MS Intimacy and Sexuality Section were included in the analysis. The Patient Determined Disease Steps was used to measure disease severity. The 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Version 2, Mental Health Scale was used to assess mental health. The MSISQ-19 was used to assess fear of sexual rejection. A logistic regression analysis was performed. The full model containing all predictors was statistically significant, χ2 (7, N = 5,979) = 1,426.01, p < 0.001, indicating that the model was able to distinguish between respondents who reported fear of sexual rejection and those who did not. The model as a whole explained between 21.2 and 29.0 % of the variance in fear of sexual rejection, and correctly classified 72.9 % of cases. The strongest predictor of reporting fear of sexual rejection was gender. Findings indicate that SD, particularly fear of sexual rejection, is a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon. This study highlights the need for interventions designed to help people with disabilities work through their fears and build their sexual confidence to help facilitate healthy sexual activity.

Electrophysiological patterns of oropharyngeal swallowing in multiple sclerosis

ObjectiveWe performed an electrophysiological study of swallowing (EPSS) in multiple sclerosis (MS) to describe oropharyngeal swallowing abnormalities and to analyze their correlations with dysphagia and with overall neurological impairment. MethodsNeurological examinations were quantified using the Kurtzke Functional Systems and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Dysphagia was evaluated using the Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis (DYMUS) questionnaire, while fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was used to establish the degree of aspiration and penetration, graded using the penetration–aspiration scale (PAS). The EPSS measured the duration of suprahyoid/submental muscle EMG activity (SHEMG-D), the duration of the laryngeal–pharyngeal mechanogram (LPM-D), and the duration of the pause in cricopharyngeal muscle EMG activity (CPEMG-PD); it also measured the interval between onset of the suprahyoid/submental muscle EMG activity (SHEMG) and onset of the laryngeal–pharyngeal mechanogram (I-SHEMG-LPM). Results92% of patients showed at least one electrophysiological abnormality. I-SHEMG-LPM correlated positively with the DYMUS questionnaire. I-SHEMG-LPM, SHEMG-D, and DYMUS correlated positively with the PAS. Moderate to severe bladder sphincter dysfunction was associated with a significant reduction, or absence, of CPEMG-PD. ConclusionEPSS improves our understanding of the pathophysiology of dysphagia in MS. SignificanceThis investigation could be useful in MS patients with swallowing abnormalities.

Assessing Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire: Results of a Pilot Study

There is need for a brief but comprehensive objective assessment tool to help clinicians evaluate relapse symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their impact on daily functioning, as well as response to treatment. The 2-part Assessing Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis (ARMS) questionnaire was developed to achieve these aims. Part 1 consists of 7 questions that evaluate relapse symptoms, impact on activities of daily living (ADL), overall functioning, and response to treatment for previous relapses. Part 2 consists of 7 questions that evaluate treatment response in terms of symptom relief, functioning, and tolerability. The ARMS questionnaire has been evaluated in 103 patients with MS. The most commonly reported relapse symptoms were numbness/tingling (67%), fatigue (58%), and leg/foot weakness (55%). Over half of patients reported that ADL or overall functioning were affected very much (47%) or severely (11%) by relapses. Prescribed treatments for relapses included intravenous and/or oral corticosteroids (87%) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (13%). Nearly half of patients reported that their symptoms were very much (33%) or completely resolved (16%) following treatment. The most commonly reported adverse events were sleep disturbance (45%), mood changes (33%), weight gain (29%), and increased appetite (26%). Systematic assessment of relapses and response to relapse treatment may help clinicians to optimize outcomes for MS patients.

Validität, Reliabilität und Akzeptanz des Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Physiotherapists (MSQPT)

BACKGROUND: The ”Fachgruppe Physiotherapie bei Multipler Sklerose” (FPMS) has developed a new disease-specific assessment, the Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Physiotherapists (MSQPT) which can be used as auxiliary device in monitoring the physiotherapeutic treatment evaluation of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether the MSQPT fulfils the psychometric properties of a test. METHOD: Multicenter validity, reliability and acceptance survey. The validity was examined in an incidental sample with the criterions HAQUAMS 3.2 and SF-36. In a test-retest design the reliability was assessed. The participating physiotherapists’ acceptance of the MSQPT was explored by a questionnaire. RESULTS: The sample shows a feasible representativeness for the MS population in Switzerland and a high data quality. The factor analysis supports the assumption of a data structure of 5 groups. The reliability was assessed with Pearson r and Cronbach alpha. Content, criterion and structure validity were prised high. The participating physiotherapists’ acceptance was good. The MSQPT also fulfils the additional assessment demands (comparability, economy and usefulness) and is accepted by patients. CONCLUSIONS: This representative survey supports the beliefs, that the MSQPT is a reliable and valid assessment meeting assessment demands. It may be used as auxiliary device in treatment evaluation of MS patients. A follow-up study will examine the MSQPT’s responsiveness.

0521 Evaluating the linguistic validity of the functional assessment of multiple sclerosis (FAMS) questionnaire in 11 languages for 14 countries: Final report

0521 Evaluating the linguistic validity of the functional assessment of multiple sclerosis (FAMS) questionnaire in 11 languages for 14 countries: Final report