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Updated: Aug 20, 2026
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Value of health-related quality of life to predict disability course in multiple sclerosis
M A J Visschedijk1, B M J Uitdehaag, M Klein
1Department of Medical Psychology, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands maj.visschedijk@vumc.nl
Objective:
To determine the value of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) to predict change in disability status in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods:
Over a 5-year period, data were collected on HRQoL (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Survey) and disability status (Expanded Disability Status Scale) from a heterogeneous group of 81 Dutch-speaking patients with MS.
Results:
Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HRQoL in the domains of Physical Functioning and Role-Physical Functioning is a significant predictor of change in disability status.
Conclusions:
A patient's subjectively perceived health-related quality of life may not be only a clinically and psychosocially meaningful outcome per se but may also be a predictor of objective outcomes such as change in disability status over a substantial period of time.
