Performance of Activities of daily living in people with multiple sclerosis

Abstract Objective : Multiple sclerosis (MS) may result in activity and participation limitations, including the performance of activities of daily living (ADL). This study aims at systematically investigate ADL performance by using Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) in people with MS (PwMS) of all disease types and within the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) range from 1.0 – 8.0. Methods : Eight multiple sclerosis (MS) centres participated in data collection of a consecutive sample of PwMS. Subjects were referred for assessment to occupational therapy (OT) by treating physician or recruited from neurology department in each hospital. Patients were assessed by EDSS and AMPS. The AMPS is an observational, criterion referenced ADL assessment, providing values for patient's ADL performance in terms of motor and process skills. Criterion referenced cut-off scores were established at 2.0 for motor skills and at 1.0 for process skills and both values above the cut-off score indicate competent (independent, safe, efficient and effortless) ADL performance. Process skills refer to the act of carrying out a series of actions and is summarized in terms of efficiency, like initiating without pauses, continuing actions through to completion, performing actions in logical order (sequencing), choosing, and completing the task as planned (heeding). Results : Two hundred and ten PwMS were recruited (48 +/- 13 years of age, 145 women/65 men, average disease duration was 11.8 +/- 9.6 years, average EDSS was 4.8+/-1.8). Average motor skills score was 1.01+/- 1.12 (indicating need for assistance with evidence of increased clumsiness/physical effort) and average process skills score was 1.02 +/- 0.66 (risk zone, questionable efficiency and more likely to need assistance). Overall, motor skills and process skills decreased with increasing EDSS score. No need for assistance in motor skills was indicated in subjects with lower EDSS scores (1.0 – 2.5). In higher EDSS group (≥4.5), 57% of subjects needed assistance in motor skills and 27% in process skills. The competency in process skills was either questionable or reduced within all EDSS scores. However, 33-38% of subjects with higher EDSS scores (6.0-8.5) showed competent performance in process skills. Overall correlation between motor and process scores was moderate (r=0.56, p Conclusion Problems in ADL performance are found in EDSS categories 1.0 to 8.0 and in all disease types, therefore it is advisable to screen all PwMS for ADL deficits and provide relevant rehabilitation interventions.