Comparison of the physical and non-physical functioning between the patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy subjects

Objectives: To investigate the relationship betweenphysical functioning, non-physical functioning, andupper extremity functional abilities in patients withmultiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy subjects.Methods: A total of 63 patients with MS [ExpandedDisability Status Scale (EDSS) score; 3-8] and 52 healthy subjects attending the Pamukkale University,School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation inDenizli, Turkey were studied in the period fromFebruary 2006 to June 2006. To allow furtherevaluation, 63 individuals with MS were divided into 2groups according to their ambulation ability level. Thephysical functioning was assessed with the FunctionalIndependence Measure (FIM), the Purdue PegboardTest, and the Jebsen Hand Function Test, and thenon-physical functioning was assessed with the BeckDepression Inventory (BDI).Results: Depressive symptoms were significantlyelevated in the MS group versus the control groupbased on the BDI (p 0.0001). In MS subjects, whilethere was good positive correlation between EDSSand BDI scores, there was a good negative correlationbetween EDSS and FIM scores (p 0.0001).Conclusion: Non-physical functioning, especiallydepression, is strongly associated with activities of dailyliving and decreases functional abilities in MS patients.For this reason, we recommend that non-physicalfunctioning should also be evaluated in patientswith MS to plan the most suitable physical therapyprogram.