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Updated: Aug 16, 2025

The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool

The Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test MSPT: An iPad-Based Disability Assessment Tool

Published on: June 30, 2014

Repeated forms, testing intervals, and SDMT performance in a large multiple sclerosis dataset.

Tom A Fuchs¹, John Gillies², Michael G Jaworski²

¹Jacobs Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, 1001 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States of America; Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States of America.

Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders

|December 22, 2022

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Repeated Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) use improves cognitive scores in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), especially with frequent retesting using the same form. Intervals over two years may lead to performance decline.

Keywords:

Cognition Multiple sclerosis Practice effects Processing speed SDMT

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Clinical Psychology

Background:

The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) is a key cognitive measure for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
Its reliability and sensitivity make it vital for clinical trials and patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of repeated administrations and form variations on SDMT performance in PwMS.
To understand how test frequency and form repetition influence cognitive assessment outcomes.

Main Methods:

Retrospective analysis of SDMT data from 740 PwMS with multiple test administrations.
Statistical modeling to assess the effects of test frequency and same-form vs. alternate-form use on performance changes.

Main Results:

A significant improvement in SDMT scores was observed with repeated testing (1.8 points per repetition).
Performance gains were greatest when using the same SDMT form at shorter intervals.
Cognitive decline was noted when the interval between tests exceeded two years.

Conclusions:

Practice effects significantly enhance SDMT performance in PwMS with repeated exposure.
Optimal results are achieved by using the same test form at frequent intervals.
Alternate forms are recommended for PwMS with numerous prior administrations to mitigate practice effects.