Validation of the Arm Profile Score in assessing upper limb functional impairments in people with multiple sclerosis. (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Corona, Federica; Gervasoni, Elisa; Coghe, Giancarlo; Cocco, Eleonora; Ferrarin, Maurizio; Pau, Massimiliano; Cattaneo, Davide
• Is Part Of: Clinical biomechanics. Volume 51(2018)
• Page Start: 45
• Page End: 50
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Multiple sclerosis -- Arm Profile Score -- Upper limbs -- Kinematics -- Hand to mouth; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Osteopathic medicine -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Osteopathic Medicine -- Periodicals; 612.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2017.11.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0268-0033

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Although upper limb (UL) impairments are widespread in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS), there is limited quantitative evidence concerning their specific features. The aim of this study is to validate a synthetic measure based on kinematic data to define the degree of deviation from a physiologic pattern during the "hand to mouth" (HTM) task. Methods: Twenty pwMS (mean age 51.2 SD 11.1) years, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score in the range 2–6.5, underwent a kinematic analysis of the HTM task using a motion capture system. Spatio-temporal parameters and synthetic indexes (Arm Variable Score, AVS and Arm Profile Score, APS) were calculated and compared with those of age-matched healthy individuals. Kinematic data were correlated with the EDSS score and clinical tests such as the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) and hand-grip strength (HGS). Findings: PwMS exhibit reduced velocity, increased movement duration, sway of adjusting and frequency of direction changes as well as higher APS values (15.4° vs. 8.6°, P < 0.001) with respect to controls due to alterations in trunk flexion-extension, shoulder abduction-adduction, flexion-extension and rotation and elbow flexion-extension. Moderate-to-large correlations were found between APS and EDSS (rho = 0.609, P < 0.001), NHPT (rho = 0.468, P = 0.03) and HGS (rho = − 0.627 P < 0.001). Interpretation: The kinematic analysis of HTM provides useful information in quantifying UL impairments in pwMS. The APS index appears suitable to represent UL movement deviations from the physiological pattern in pwMS and to assess disease progression or effectiveness of pharmacologic and rehabilitative treatments effectiveness. Highlights: Characterized of upper limbs kinematic patterns in Multiple Sclerosis people Defined deviation degree from normal pattern with a kinematic synthetic measure Investigated correlation between the synthetic measure and clinical scores