Article

OBJECTIVE: To identify cognitive predictors of driving performance after multiple
sclerosis (MS). DESIGN: Prospective design examining predictive value of
cognitive measures on driving performance. SETTING: All data were collected in an
outpatient research setting and an outpatient driver rehabilitation program.
PARTICIPANTS: Participants were community-dwelling persons (N=66) with clinically
defined MS (86% relapsing-remitting, 14% progressive) with a mean age of 43.47
years. All were active drivers who met vision requirements established by their
respective states, and none required adaptive driving equipment. INTERVENTION:
Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants were administered a
comprehensive neuropsychologic assessment and a clinical behind-the-wheel (BTW)
driving evaluation. Additional measures of driving performance included history
of traffic violations and collisions (since MS onset). RESULTS: Logistic
regression indicated that information processing speed (Symbol Digit Modality
Test [SDMT]) was the strongest predictor of BTW performance. A logistic
regression revealed that the strongest predictors of collision and violation
frequency were visuospatial learning and recall (7/24 Spatial Recall Test [SPART
7/24]). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that information processing and
visuospatial skills are predictive of driving performance among persons with MS.
These measures (SDMT and SPART 7/24) may serve as screening methods for
identifying the potential impact of cognitive impairment on driving. Furthermore,
the findings raise questions regarding the appropriateness of the BTW evaluation
to evaluate driving difficulties accurately among individuals with MS.
CI - Copyright 2010 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS