Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and impact of limb apraxia on manual
dexterity and activities of daily living (ADLs) in patients with multiple
sclerosis (MS). DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: University hospital. PARTICIPANTS:
Consecutive patients (N=76)
with clinically isolated syndrome,
relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), secondary progressive multiple
sclerosis (SPMS) or primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), Expanded
Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score from 0 to 6.5, and aged from 18 to 70 years
were included. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Apraxia was
assessed by the apraxia screen of TULIA (AST). The relationship of apraxia with
ADLs and manual dexterity was evaluated using a dexterity questionnaire and the
coin rotation task, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, limb apraxia was found in
26.3% of patients (mean AST score +/- SD, 7.3+/-1.3; cutoff <9). Apraxia was
significantly correlated with higher EDSS scores, longer disease duration, and
higher age with the EDSS being predictive. Furthermore, patients with SPMS and
PPMS were more apraxic than patients with RRMS. Finally, limb apraxia was
significantly associated with impaired ADLs and manual dexterity. CONCLUSIONS:
Limb apraxia is a frequent and clinically significant symptom contributing to
disability in MS. It should therefore be evaluated and possibly treated,
particularly in patients with MS reporting manual difficulties in everyday life.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS