Psychometric Properties Upper Limb Function Measures Multiple Sclerosis (MCS-III-UL)

Psychometric Properties of Outcome Measures for Upper Limb Function, in Multiple Sclerosis: a Multi-center Study

Revalidatie & MS Centrum Overpelt, Charles University, Czech Republic, Danish MS Hospitals, Haslev and Ry, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi Onlus, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, centrisclerosimultipla, Sheba Medical Center, Haukeland University Hospital, MS Rehabilitation Center Borne Sulinowo, University of Ljubljana, Eugenia Epalza Rehabilitation Center, Bilbao, Spain, Day General Hospital., Shepherd Center, Atlanta GA, Queen's University, St. Louis University, De Mick, MS center Hakadal AS

Current study will investigate de quality (psychometric properties) and clinical utility of several measures of upper limb function, according to disability level. Therefore, several aspects will be inquired: Was there an effect of rehabilitation Is the measure able to detect change over time? And thus the change exceed measurement error and is it clinically important (responsiveness) Does the measure assess what it claims to measure (validity) Is the measure able to differentiate all performances of the patients, inclusively the very good and very bad performances (floor and ceiling effects) Does the measure gives similar results under consistent test conditions on another testing day (reliability) Worldwide, theoretical approaches to physical therapy and rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis often appear significantly different. Since the present research protocol will be performed at different centers across European countries (and US sites), this multi-center study can additionally be applied for mapping the volume and content of rehabilitation, as well as the differential impact of diverse rehabilitation approaches and training volume on mobility, for several disability levels. Some health-economic analyses will be performed to examine what the approximate cost of rehabilitation compared to effects is and what drivers of costs are (setting, equipment, staff).

Investigate the quality (psychometric properties) and clinical utility of several measures of the upper limb function

Inclusion Criteria: diagnosis of MS according to McDonald criteria a treatment goal to maintain or improve upper limb function no relapse within the last month no changes in disease modifying medication and no corticoid-therapy within the last month receive at least 10 sessions of physical or occupational therapy (in- or outpatient rehabilitation), with a maximum duration of 3 months Exclusion Criteria: other medical conditions interfering with mobility (e.g. stroke, pregnancy, fractures, …) other neurological impairments with permanent damage (stroke, Parkinson, …) MS-like syndromes such as neuromyelitis optica not able to understand and execute simple instructions