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Updated: May 28, 2026
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT): An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Change in disability profile and quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients: a five-year longitudinal study using
K Wynia1, A T van Wijlen, B Middel
1Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. k.wynia@umcg.nl
Background:
Evidence on the progress of disease severity in multiple sclerosis (MS) is generally limited in scope.
Objectives:
To examine the course of a broad spectrum of MS-related disabilities and quality of life (QOL) in relation to disease severity, and responsiveness of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Profile (MSIP).
Methods:
The mortality rate was calculated after checking the national population register for vital status of the initial cohort. We performed a longitudinal study among 245 patients with MS attending the Groningen MS Center in the Netherlands. We assessed these patients in 2004 and 2009 using a postal survey including the MSIP to evaluate disabilities, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Abbreviation version (WHOQOL-BREF) to evaluate QOL, and the ambulation question of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) to evaluate disease severity. Responsiveness of the MSIP was estimated using standardized response mean (SRM).
Results:
Increase of disability in the MSIP disability domains and loss of QOL were most prevalent and pronounced in patients with EDSS 0 to < 4.5 in 2004. MSIP and QOL scores were remarkably stable in the higher disease severity groups. Mortality rates were highest (24%) in patients with EDSS ≥ 7 to < 10 in 2004. SRM indices for the MSIP ranged between 0.26 and 0.56.
Conclusions:
Prominent increases in multiple aspects of disability and loss of QOL occur especially in the early stages in MS. Health care interventions may lead to health and QOL gains, in particular when offered to patients in the first stage of the MS process. Responsiveness was sufficient for nine of the 11 MSIP domains.
Insights
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients experience significant disability and quality of life (QOL) declines early in the disease. Early interventions can improve health and QOL for those in the initial stages of MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Research
- Quality of Life Studies
Background:
- Disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) is not well-documented.
- Understanding MS disability progression is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the progression of MS-related disabilities and quality of life (QOL).
- To assess the relationship between disease severity and these outcomes.
- To evaluate the responsiveness of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Profile (MSIP).
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study of 245 MS patients was conducted between 2004 and 2009.
- Patients completed postal surveys assessing disabilities (MSIP), QOL (WHOQOL-BREF), and disease severity (EDSS ambulation).
- Mortality rates and MSIP responsiveness (SRM) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Disability and QOL declined most in patients with lower initial Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores (0 to <4.5).
- Higher EDSS groups showed stable MSIP and QOL scores.
- Mortality was highest (24%) in the most severe EDSS group (≥7 to <10).
- MSIP responsiveness ranged from 0.26 to 0.56.
Conclusions:
- Significant disability and QOL deterioration occur in early-stage MS.
- Interventions targeting early-stage MS patients may enhance health and QOL.
- The MSIP demonstrated sufficient responsiveness for most domains (9/11).
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