Influence of Cognitive and Motor Abilities on the Level of Current Functioning in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in a wide range of disabilities. The effects of cognitive and motor dysfunctions are significant and affect level of functioning in people with MS.

The aim of the research was to determine the common contribution of neurological, motor and cognitive status to the overall functioning of MS patients.

The sample consisted of 108 subjects with RRMS. The instruments used in the research included: The General Questionnaire, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule, the Audio Recorded Cognitive Screen, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test, the Nine Hole Peg Test, the 25 Foot Walk Test, and the Expanded Disability Status Scale.

Subjects with a mild neurological deficit had a higher level of current functioning in all domains (a lower WHODAS 2.0 score) than subjects with a moderate neurological deficit (r=0.43, p<0.001). We found a positive correlation between the level of cognitive impairment and motor deficits of both upper and lower extremities and the level of neurological deficit (p<0.001). Subjects with lower neurological deficits had significantly lower WHODAS 2.0. scores, i.e. better motor abilities of both upper and lower extremities than subjects with moderate neurological deficits (p<0.001). The greatest contribution to explaining the overall level of current functioning of people with MS had subjects' age, cognitive abilities and motor abilities of the upper extremities.

Inverse relationship of neurological, motor and cognitive status affects the overall daily functioning of people with MS, requiring planning of comprehensive programs in the rehabilitation of people with MS.