Hand fatigability, self-reported fatigue, and functionality in individuals with multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Fatigue and fatigability are significant, yet variable, symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) that impact daily life.
• While fatigue is a known MS symptom, fatigability's consequences are increasingly recognized as limiting daily activities.
• Understanding the interplay between fatigue, fatigability, and functional capacity is crucial for managing MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare self-reported fatigue, measured fatigability, and functional capacity in individuals with MS and healthy controls.
• To investigate the associations between different measures of fatigue and fatigability in people with MS.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 23 individuals with Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) and 23 age/sex-matched healthy controls.
• Fatigability assessed using Static and Dynamic Fatigue Index for grip strength and dexterity.
• Self-reported fatigue measured by Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS); functional capacity by SARA, NHPT, and DextQ-24.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in overall fatigability levels between RRMS and healthy groups.
• Significant associations found between non-dominant pinch grip fatigability and self-reported fatigue (FSS/FIS).
• Fatigability of gross grip and pinch grip correlated significantly with specific daily activities (dressing, TV/CD/DVD use) and manual dexterity.

Conclusions:

• Fatigability is linked to upper limb daily activities (gross grip) and self-reported fatigue (pinch grip) in RRMS.
• Early-stage MS research should integrate hand fatigability, manual dexterity, and self-reported fatigue assessments.
• Clarifying fatigability-fatigue-function relationships can inform targeted clinical interventions for RRMS patients.