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Updated: Feb 17, 2026
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
Phototest for neurocognitive screening in multiple sclerosis
Joana Pinto1,2, Emanuela Lopes2, Gerly Gonçalves2
1CESPU, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada em Ciências e Tecnologias da Saúde, Gandra, Portugal.
Abstract:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological disorders. Cognitive dysfunction is considered a clinical marker of MS, where approximately half of patients with MS have cognitive impairment.
Objective:
The Phototest (PT) is a brief cognitive test with high diagnostic sensitivity, accuracy and cost-effectiveness for detecting cognitive deterioration. Our aim was to test the utility of the PT as a neurocognitive screening instrument for MS.
Methods:
The study enrolled 30 patients with different types of MS from an outpatient clinic as well as 19 healthy participants. In conjunction with the PT, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Barthel Index (BI), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were administered.
Results:
The MS group obtained significantly lower results on all domains of the PT, except for the naming task. The PT showed good concurrent validity with the MoCA. In direct comparison to the MoCA, PT showed a greater area under the curve and higher levels of sensitivity and specificity for MS neurocognitive impairments. A cut-off score of 31 on the Phototest was associated with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 76.7%.
Conclusion:
The PT is a valid, specific, sensitive and brief test that is not dependent on motor functions. The instrument could be an option for neurocognitive screening in MS, especially in identifying cases for further neuropsychological assessment and intervention.
Insights
The Phototest (PT) effectively screens for cognitive impairment in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity. This brief, motor-function-independent test aids in identifying MS patients needing further neuropsychological evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuropsychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a common neurological disorder.
- Cognitive dysfunction is a key clinical feature in MS, affecting about half of patients.
- Early detection of cognitive impairment is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Phototest (PT) as a neurocognitive screening tool for MS.
- To assess the diagnostic accuracy of the PT in detecting cognitive impairment in MS patients.
Main Methods:
- The study included 30 MS patients and 19 healthy controls.
- Participants underwent the Phototest (PT), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Barthel Index (BI), EDSS, and FSS.
- Statistical analysis compared PT performance between groups and with MoCA.
Main Results:
- MS patients scored significantly lower on most PT domains compared to controls.
- The PT demonstrated strong concurrent validity with the MoCA.
- The PT exhibited higher sensitivity and specificity than MoCA for MS-related cognitive impairment, with a cut-off of 31 yielding 100% sensitivity and 76.7% specificity.
Conclusions:
- The Phototest is a valid, sensitive, and specific screening tool for MS neurocognitive deficits.
- It is brief, cost-effective, and not influenced by motor function.
- The PT is a valuable option for identifying MS patients requiring further neuropsychological assessment and intervention.
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