The effect of functional limitations and fatigue on the quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of functional limitations and fatigue on the quality of life (QoL) in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). A descriptive case series study at Lagoa Hospital - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was carried. The main outcome measurements were demographic variables, QoL (SF-36 v.1), disability (EDSS), motor function of the upper limb (Box & Blocks test), Tone (Modified Ashworth Scale), gait (Hauser ambulatory index) and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale). Sixty one patients fulfilled the study criteria. The mean age of patients was 39 years and 74% of patients were female. The most of cases presented mild disability (EDSS<3.5). A decrease was found in all domains of QoL. It was found association between physical functioning and the variables of EDSS, fatigue, lower limb tone and gait. Gait, disability, hypertonia of the lower limbs and fatigue negatively affected QoL in people with MS.
Neurology Department, UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro RJ, Brazil. lcalazansnogueira@gmail.com
Leandro Alberto Calazans
LA
Nogueira
Felipe Resende
FR
Nóbrega
Kátia Nogueira
KN
Lopes
Luiz Claudio Santos
LC
Thuler
Regina Maria Papais
RM
Alvarenga
D000328:Adult; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index