The influence of hand dominance on the relationship between habitual use and measures for arm dysfunction in MS.

Abstract

Background and Aims In Persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS), more insights are needed regarding the use and functioning of the upper limbs in the daily living. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between habitual use of the dominant and non-dominant arm and outcome measures at different ICF levels. Methods Thirty PwMS with unilateral or bilateral upper limb dysfunction were included. The habitual use of the upper limbs was measured by Motionloggers® Actigraphy. The devices were bilaterally attached to the wrist during 1 week. Output of the Motionloggers® was presented in 3 different modes: frequency of movement, time spent in motion and intensity of motion. Clinical outcome measures on function and activity level of the ICF were the Motricity Index (MI), the JAMAR hand grip strength, Brunnström Fugl Meyer (BFM), Action Research Arm test, Nine Hole Peg Test and the Motor Activity Log. A paired t-test was used to investigate the differences between dominant and non-dominant hand. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to quantify the relationship between the habitual upper limb use and frequently used clinical outcome measures. Results A significant difference (p<0.005) was found between dominant and non-dominant hand for all outcome measures, except for the Motionloggers®. For the dominant hand, correlations between Motionloggers® and clinical outcome measures were remarkably lower (r<0.50) compared to the non-dominant hand. The highest correlations for non-dominant hand were found between the 152 and function level outcome measures MI (r=0.71) and BFM (r=0.75). Outcome measures on activity level correlated moderately to high (r=0.50-0.70) with the Motionloggers®. Results of the multiple regressions analyses will be presented at the conference to reveal the most predictive outcome measure. Conclusions In MS, outcome measures of the ICF are more associated with the habitual use of the upper limbs for the non-dominant hand compared to the dominant hand.