Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 10, 2025
11:35
The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool
Published on: June 30, 2014
58.4K
A Videogame-Based Approach to Measuring Information Processing Speed in Multiple Sclerosis Patients.
Marco Pitteri1, Caterina Dapor1, Stefano Ziccardi1
1Neurology Section, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Games for Health Journal
|April 5, 2021
Summary
A new videogame effectively measures information processing speed (IPS) in patients with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). This sensitive tool can detect early cognitive changes, aiding in monitoring disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cognitive Science
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Slowing information processing speed (IPS) is a key biomarker for neuronal damage in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Early detection of cognitive changes is crucial for managing MS progression.
- Current methods may not capture subclinical deficits effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a tablet-based videogame for measuring subclinical IPS in patients with MS (pwMS).
- To assess the sensitivity of the videogame in detecting cognitive changes in pwMS without apparent cognitive impairment.
Main Methods:
- A custom tablet-based videogame was used to record response times (RTs) and accuracy.
- Forty-three pwMS and 20 healthy controls (HCs) participated in the study.
- Correlation with the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) was analyzed.
Main Results:
- PwMS demonstrated significantly slower RTs (505.5 ms) compared to HCs (462.3 ms) (P=0.014).
- A significant negative correlation was found between videogame RTs and SDMT scores (r=-0.35, P=0.03).
- The videogame showed good sensitivity in measuring IPS in cognitively normal pwMS.
Conclusions:
- The developed videogame is a sensitive tool for assessing IPS in pwMS.
- Computerized cognitive testing can aid in screening for early cognitive dysfunction in MS.
- Monitoring IPS may serve as a valuable marker for disease progression in MS.
