Contributions
Abstract: EP1389
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - MS symptoms
Background: Spasticity is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) that limits the mobility of patients and worsens their quality of life. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of spasticity on the walking speed and quality of life of patients with MS.
Methods: The study was carried out at the Department of Neurology, University of Szeged.
The walking ability of consecutive MS patients at the MS Outpatient Unit of the Department was assessed with the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25FWT) and the time needed to walk 500 meters (500MW), or the maximum possible distance with or without a walking aid was recorded. The validated Hungarian version of the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Instrument (MSQoL-54) was given to the patients. Based on the neurological examination the EDSS and Asworth scores were determined and clinical and demographic data of the patients were collected. Those patients who were considered to have spasticity were additionally given the validated Hungarian version of the Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale (MSSS-88) as well. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS 22.0 statistical software.
Results: 97 patients were tested. 77% are female, the mean age is 47.6±11.6 years, the mean duration of the disease is 11.8±6.8 years, the mean EDSS is 3.0±2.0. 90% have relapsing-remitting clinical form. 30 patients (31%) had any degree of spasticity. There was a significant negative correlation between MSQoL-54 overall quality of life and T25FWT (r= -0.226; p=0.037) and 500MW (r= -0.287; p=0.010): patients with higher walking speed had better quality of life. More spastic patients (as assessed by the limb with maximal Asworth point) walked more slowly both at the T25FWT (r=0.613; p< 0.001) and the 500MW (r=0.312; p=0.002). There was a significant negative correlation between spasticity and the overall quality of life: patients with higher Asworth points had worse quality of life (r= -0.313; p=0.007). When corrected with the EDSS points spastic patients still walked significantly slower than patients without spasticity: 25FWT 16.5±12.7 sec vs 7.1±2.1 sec (p=0.003), 500MW 538.2±230.6 sec vs 367.5±103,4 sec (p=0.027).
Conclusions: Spasticity slows down the walking speed of MS patients and has a negative effect on their quality of life. Therefore adequate assessment and treatment of spasticity should be a priority in daily clinical practice.
Disclosure: Dr. Judit Füvesi: nothing to disclose.
Dr. Dániel Sandi: nothing to disclose.
Fabian Schmidt: nothing to disclose.
Besma Kirami: nothing to disclose.
Dr. Klaudia Horváth: nothing to disclose.
Dr. Bence Laczó: nothing to disclose.
Dr. Krisztina Bencsik: nothing to disclose.
Dr. Tamás Kincses: nothing to disclose.
Dr. Zsanett Fricska-Nagy: nothing to disclose.
Prof. Dr. László Vécsei: nothing to disclose.
Abstract: EP1389
Type: Poster Sessions
Abstract Category: Clinical aspects of MS - MS symptoms
Background: Spasticity is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS) that limits the mobility of patients and worsens their quality of life. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of spasticity on the walking speed and quality of life of patients with MS.
Methods: The study was carried out at the Department of Neurology, University of Szeged.
The walking ability of consecutive MS patients at the MS Outpatient Unit of the Department was assessed with the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test (T25FWT) and the time needed to walk 500 meters (500MW), or the maximum possible distance with or without a walking aid was recorded. The validated Hungarian version of the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Instrument (MSQoL-54) was given to the patients. Based on the neurological examination the EDSS and Asworth scores were determined and clinical and demographic data of the patients were collected. Those patients who were considered to have spasticity were additionally given the validated Hungarian version of the Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale (MSSS-88) as well. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS 22.0 statistical software.
Results: 97 patients were tested. 77% are female, the mean age is 47.6±11.6 years, the mean duration of the disease is 11.8±6.8 years, the mean EDSS is 3.0±2.0. 90% have relapsing-remitting clinical form. 30 patients (31%) had any degree of spasticity. There was a significant negative correlation between MSQoL-54 overall quality of life and T25FWT (r= -0.226; p=0.037) and 500MW (r= -0.287; p=0.010): patients with higher walking speed had better quality of life. More spastic patients (as assessed by the limb with maximal Asworth point) walked more slowly both at the T25FWT (r=0.613; p< 0.001) and the 500MW (r=0.312; p=0.002). There was a significant negative correlation between spasticity and the overall quality of life: patients with higher Asworth points had worse quality of life (r= -0.313; p=0.007). When corrected with the EDSS points spastic patients still walked significantly slower than patients without spasticity: 25FWT 16.5±12.7 sec vs 7.1±2.1 sec (p=0.003), 500MW 538.2±230.6 sec vs 367.5±103,4 sec (p=0.027).
Conclusions: Spasticity slows down the walking speed of MS patients and has a negative effect on their quality of life. Therefore adequate assessment and treatment of spasticity should be a priority in daily clinical practice.
Disclosure: Dr. Judit Füvesi: nothing to disclose.
Dr. Dániel Sandi: nothing to disclose.
Fabian Schmidt: nothing to disclose.
Besma Kirami: nothing to disclose.
Dr. Klaudia Horváth: nothing to disclose.
Dr. Bence Laczó: nothing to disclose.
Dr. Krisztina Bencsik: nothing to disclose.
Dr. Tamás Kincses: nothing to disclose.
Dr. Zsanett Fricska-Nagy: nothing to disclose.
Prof. Dr. László Vécsei: nothing to disclose.