Relationship between Disability Severity and Activity of Daily Living in People with Multiple Sclerosis

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common disabling diseases in young adults. Common manifestations include fatigue, bladder and bowel disorders, pain, mobility problems, and cognitive impairment. These symptoms seriously affect the activity of daily living (ADL) of people with MS. The purpose of this study to investigate relationship between disability severity and ADL in people with MS. Material and Methods: A total of 112 people with MS enrolled in this study. These people were evaluated by Barthel index, Mini Mental Status Examination, the Extended Disability Status Scale for ADL, cognitive ability and severity of disability. Results: In linear regression analysis, independence in ADL is the best of predictor (69%) of disability severity in people with MS. The Pearson correlation test between the severity of disability and independence in ADL showed a significant relationship. Conclusion: Independence in performing ADL can predict disability severity in people with MS.