Comparison of the physical and non-physical functioning between the patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy subjects

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between physical functioning, non-physical functioning, and upper extremity functional abilities in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy subjects.

METHODS: A total of 63 patients with MS [Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score; 3-8] and 52 healthy subjects attending the Pamukkale University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation in Denizli, Turkey were studied in the period from February 2006 to June 2006. To allow further evaluation, 63 individuals with MS were divided into 2 groups according to their ambulation ability level. The physical functioning was assessed with the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the Purdue Pegboard Test, and the Jebsen Hand Function Test, and the non-physical functioning was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

RESULTS: Depressive symptoms were significantly elevated in the MS group versus the control group based on the BDI (p<0.0001). In MS subjects, while there was good positive correlation between EDSS and BDI scores, there was a good negative correlation between EDSS and FIM scores (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION: Non-physical functioning, especially depression, is strongly associated with activities of daily living and decreases functional abilities in MS patients. For this reason, we recommend that non-physical functioning should also be evaluated in patients with MS to plan the most suitable physical therapy program.