The Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test As A Measure Of Hand Function in Multiple Sclerosis

Upper Limb Assessment in Multiple Sclerosis: The Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test As A Measure Of Hand Function

The aim of the study is to report the results of manual dexterity using the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test in people with Multiple Sclerosis.

Upper limb can be affected even in early stage in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). Manual dexterity is important to maintain upper limb function and 9-Hole Peg Test (9HPT) is used as gold standard to assess dexterity in pwMS. There are no studies evaluating manual dexterity with the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) in pwMS. This study aims to:

1. reporting the results of manual dexterity using the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test and comparing the test results with healthy volunteers,
2. examining the relationship between MMDT and 9HPT, ABILHAND, grip strength, pinch strength, fatigue.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) age 18-65;
• (2) definitive diagnosis of MS according to McDonald criteria;
• (3) ability to read and write in Turkish.

Exclusion Criteria:

• (1) acute attacks of MS (within 3 months);
• (2) cognitive impairment (Mini Mental test result 24 points and below);
• (3) having spasticity (3 and above according to Modified Ashworth Scale)
• (4) any chronic disease other than MS;
• (5) being addicted to alcohol or drugs,