title: Perceived and actual arm performance in multiple sclerosis: relationship with clinical tests according to hand dominance.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The real-life relevance of frequently applied clinical arm tests is not well known in multiple sclerosis (MS).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to determine the relation between real-life arm performance and clinical tests in MS.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty wheelchair-bound MS patients and 30 healthy controls were included. Actual and perceived real-life arm performance was measured by using accelerometry and a self-reported measure (Motor Activity Log). Clinical tests on 'body functions & structures' (JAMAR handgrip strength, Motricity Index (MI), Fugl Meyer (FM)) and 'activity' level (Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Action Research Arm test) of the International Classification of Functioning were conducted. Statistical analyses were performed separately for current dominant and non-dominant arm.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For all outcome measures, MS patients scored with both arms significantly lower than the control group. Higher correlations between actual arm performance and clinical tests were found for the non-dominant arm (0.63-0.80). The FM (55%) was a good predictor of actual arm performance, while the MI (46%) and NHPT (55%) were good predictors of perceived arm performance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Real-life arm performance is decreased in wheelchair-bound MS patients and can be best predicted by measures on 'body functions & structures' level and fine motor control. Hand dominance influenced the magnitude of relationships.
authors: BIOMED Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium. ilse.lamers@uhasselt.be
authors: Ilse
authors: I
authors: Lamers
authors: Lore
authors: L
authors: Kerkhofs
authors: Joke
authors: J
authors: Raats
authors: Daphne
authors: D
authors: Kos
authors: Bart
authors: B
authors: Van Wijmeersch
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Feys
mesh_terms: D001132:Arm; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004292:Dominance, Cerebral / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010465:Perception; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: actigraphy; activities of daily living; hand dominance; multiple sclerosis; outcome assessment (health care); rehabilitation; upper extremity