Investigating the relationship of theory of mind and empathy with neuroimaging, neuropsychological, and neuropsychiatric data in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Theory of Mind (ToM) is understanding others' minds. Empathy is an insight into emotions and feelings of others. Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) may experience impairment in ToM and empathy. To investigate ToM, empathy, and their relationship with neuroimaging, neuropsychological, and neuropsychiatric data. 41 pwMS and 41 HC were assessed using RMET for ToM, EQ, BICAMS, HADS. Cortical and subcortical gray matter volumes were calculated with Freesurfer from 3T MRI scans. pwMS showed lower EQ scores (44.82 ± 11.9 vs 51.29 ± 9.18, p = 0.02) and worse RMET performance (22.37 ± 4.09 vs 24,47 ± 2.93, p = 0.011). Anxiety and depression were higher in pwMS. EQ correlated with subcortical (amygdala) and cortical (anterior cingulate) volumes. RMET correlated with cortical volumes (posterior cingulate, lingual). In regression analysis, amygdala volume was the single predictor of empathy performance (p = 0.041). There were no significant correlations between social cognitive tests and general cognition. A weak negative correlation was found between EQ and the level of anxiety (r = -0.342, p = 0.038) The present study indicates that pwMS have impairment on ToM and empathy. The performance of ToM and empathy in MS is linked to the volumes of critical brain areas involved in social cognition.

Discriminative ability of the original and short form of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale and its individual items for falls in people with multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Balance confidence is an essential component of fall risk assessment in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). AIMS: The aims of this cross-sectional study were to 1) investigate the ability of the 16-item Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC-16), 6-item Activities-specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC-6), and each item of the ABC-16 for distinguishing fallers and 2) determine cutoff scores for these scales to discriminate fallers and non-fallers in pwMS. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-six participants [fallers/non-fallers: 60 (38.5%)/96 (61.5%), median EDSS: 1.5] were enrolled. Balance confidence was assessed using the ABC-16 and ABC-6. The self-reported number of falls in the past three months was recorded. Descriptive assessments, including walking, balance, and cognition were performed. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted to estimate the sensitivities and specificities of the ABC-16 and ABC-6. RESULTS: Both the ABC-16 (AUC: 0.85) and ABC-6 (AUC: 0.84) had the discriminative ability for falls. Each item of the ABC-16 scale was a significantly related to falls [odds ratio (OR) range: 1.38 to 1.89]. Items 8 and 10 had the highest odds ratio (OR: 1.85; 95%CI: 1.47-2.33, OR: 1.89; 95%CI: 1.49-2.40; respectively). We found cutoff scores of ≤ 70 of 100 (sensitivity: 71.67, specificity: 86.46) and ≤ 65/100 (sensitivity: 76.67, specificity: 79.17) in discrimination between fallers and non-fallers for the ABC-16 and ABC-6, respectively. CONCLUSION: Both original and short forms of the ABC scale are an efficient tool for discriminating fallers and non-fallers in pwMS. Although all items are related to falls, outdoor walking activities have the strongest associations with falls than other items.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Coping With the Disease and Affecting Cognitive, Physical, and Psychosocial Factors in People with Multiple Sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between coping mechanisms in people with multiple sclerosis (MS, pwMS) and cognitive, physical, and psychosocial factors such as socio-demographic characteristics, disability, personality, stigma, quality of life, depression, and anxiety. METHOD: One hundred and two pwMS were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Demographics and clinical characteristics were recorded. Coping with the MS Scale (CMSS), including seven subscales, which are problem-solving, physical assistance, acceptance, avoidance, personal health control, energy conservation, and emotional release, was used to measure coping. Anxiety and depression levels, stigma, neuropsychological symptoms, and personality were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), EuroQol-5D Quality of Life Scale (EQ-5D), Quality of Life in Neurological Diseases (NeuroQoL) -Stigma Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Neuropsychological Questionnaire (MSNQ), and Revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Abbreviated Form (EKA-GGK), respectively. RESULTS: There was a weak statistically significant positive correlation between the physical support subscale and age and the disease duration and a strong positive correlation with EDSS (r = .214, p = .035; r = .213, p = .036; r = .582, p ≤ .0001, respectively). There was a moderate negative relationship between the physical support subscale and the EQ-5D mobility, self-care, pain, and health subscales (r = -.434, p = .000; r = -.482, p = .000; r = -.526, p ≤ .001, respectively), a weak negative correlation with anxiety, and a strong negative relationship with usual activities (r = -.379, p ≤ .001; r = -.243, p = .017; r = -.384, p ≤ .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: It has been shown that coping with MS can be affected by cognitive, physical, and psychosocial factors.

Predictors of relapse severity in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The severity of relapses is one of the determinants of residual disability in multiple sclerosis (MS), contributing to the final progressive state. However, the factors that predict the severity of relapses are not fully understood. AIM: To predict relapse severity in MS and investigate the relationship between relapse severity and the degree of improvement in physical, cognitive, and social tests. METHODS: This observational single-center study prospectively assesses relapse severity in patients with MS. Relapses were classified as mild, moderate, and severe. Before relapse treatment and 1 month into remission four physical tests, four cognitive tests, and six surveys were performed. Multinomial regression analyses were applied to predict relapse severity. RESULTS: A total of 126 relapses were studied prospectively. Twenty-two were lost to follow-up. Multiple sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQol) questionnaire (r = 0.28, p = 0.006) and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT, r = 0.23, p = 0.022) improvement statuses were correlated with the severity of the relapse. Higher cases with improvement were observed in the severe relapse group on both MusiQol and SDMT, but no difference for those with a mild relapse. In the predictive model, only disease duration [Odds Ratio (OR) 0.808 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.691 to 0.945; p = 0.008] and Body Mass Index (BMI, OR 1.148 95% CI 1.018 to 1.294; p = 0.024) were associated with relapse severity. CONCLUSION: Only disease duration was found to be predictive of relapse severity among disease-related variables. On the other hand, BMI may be a modifiable patient-related factor to consider in the management of exacerbations in MS.

Feasibility of Telerehabilitation-Based Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Urinary Incontinence in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Controlled, Assessor-Blinded Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Urinary incontinence is a common symptom in people with multiple sclerosis. The primary aim was to investigate feasibility of telerehabilitation-based pelvic floor muscle training (Tele-PFMT) and compare its effects on leakage episodes and pad usage with home exercise-based pelvic floor muscle training (Home-PFMT) and control groups. METHODS: Forty-five people with multiple sclerosis with urinary incontinence were randomized into 3 groups. Tele-PFMT and Home-PFMT groups followed the same protocol for 8 weeks, but Tele-PFMT performed exercises 2 sessions/week under a physiotherapist's supervision. The control group did not receive any specific treatment. Assessments were made at baseline, weeks 4, 8, and 12. Primary outcome measures were feasibility (compliance to exercise, patient satisfaction, and number of participants included in the study), number of leakage episodes, and pad usage. Secondary outcomes included severity of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder symptoms, sexual function, quality of life, anxiety, and depression. RESULTS: Participant eligibility rate was 19%. Patient satisfaction and compliance to exercise were significantly higher in Tele-PFMT than in Home-PFMT ( P < 0.05). No significant differences in the change of leakage episodes and pad usage were found between Tele-PFMT and Home-PFMT. No significant differences in secondary outcomes were found between PFMT groups. Participants in both the Tele-PFMT and Home-PFMT groups had significantly better scores for some measures of urinary incontinence, and overactive bladder and quality of life in compared with the control group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Tele-PFMT was feasible and acceptable in people with multiple sclerosis, and this mode of delivery was associated with greater exercise compliance and satisfaction compared with Home-PFMT. However, Tele-PFMT did not exhibit superiority in terms of leakage episodes and pad usage compared with Home-PFMT. A large trial comparing Home-PFMT and Tele-PFMT is warranted.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A440 ).

The Preference-Based Multiple Sclerosis Index: an assessment of its psychometric properties and translation into Turkish.

PURPOSE: To translate Preference-Based Multiple Sclerosis Index (PBMSI) into Turkish, investigate its psychometric properties and differences between its two scoring algorithms: PBMSI-Rating Scale (PBMSI-RS) and PBMSI-Standard Gamble (PBMSI-SG). METHODS: An expert committee supervised the translation process. Psychometric properties were evaluated in 104 people with multiple sclerosis. Exploratory common factor analysis was used to investigate structural validity. Convergent validity was assessed by formulating hypotheses about correlations between PBMSI and other HRQL measures, disability level, walking-related measures, and MS symptoms. Known-groups validity was assessed against different measures of disability and walking capacity. Test-retest reliability was assessed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC95%). RESULTS: Factor analysis revealed one factor (Eigenvalue = 2.46). PBMSI-RS and PBMSI-SG correlated significantly with other measures (p < .001). Both could differentiate between individuals with different levels of disability and walking capacity (p < .05, d ≥ 0.50). Relative test-retest reliability was moderate for PBMSI-RS (ICC = 0.75) and good for PBMSI-SG (ICC = 0.83). SEM and MDC95% values were 0.16 and 0.44 for PBMSI-RS and 0.10 and 0.28 for PBMSI-SG, respectively. CONCLUSION: Turkish version of PBMSI has good psychometric properties to assess health-related quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis. PBMSI-SG should be preferred over PBMSI-RS.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONHealth-related quality of life is often used as a primary or secondary endpoint in multiple sclerosis research.The Preference-Based Multiple Sclerosis Index is the first preference-based health-related quality of life measure developed in multiple sclerosis using patient preferences.Preference-Based Multiple Sclerosis Index was translated to Turkish and demonstrated good psychometric properties, including structural, convergent, known-groups validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability.Professionals working in the field of multiple sclerosis research and rehabilitation may benefit from using the Preference-Based Multiple Sclerosis Index as it is a short and psychometrically robust instrument.

Effects and safety of exergaming in persons with multiple sclerosis during corticosteroid treatment: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: There is no information about the effects and usability of rehabilitation during corticosteroid treatment. This randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate and compare the effects and safety of exergaming and conventional rehabilitation (CR) on persons with multiple sclerosis (MS, pwMS) during corticosteroid treatment. METHODS: The participants were randomly divided into two groups: Exergaming (n=15) and CR (n=15). Rehabilitation was applied by a physiotherapist who has expertise in MS. Measurements were done at baseline (T1), immediately after discharge (T2), and 1 month after discharge (T3). The outcome measures included upper extremity functions, walking, balance, cognitive functions, quality of life, depression, and fatigue. RESULTS: The Nine Hole Peg Test, California Verbal Learning Test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, MS Walking Scale-12, Six Spot Step Test showed a significant difference between T1 to T2 and T1 to T3 in the exergaming and CR groups (p < 0.05). The Timed 25 Foot Walk and Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life Questionnaire were significantly different between T1 to T3 in the exergaming and CR groups (p < 0.05). Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised was significantly different between T1 to T3 and T2 to T3 in the exergaming and CR groups (p < 0.05). The MFIS showed a significant difference between T1 to T2 and T1 to T3 in the exergaming group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that exergaming and CR are effective and safe methods for improving upper extremity, cognitive functions, fatigue, quality of life, balance, and walking ability in pwMS during the hospitalization period.

Challenges of persons with multiple sclerosis on ocrelizumab treatment during COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Coronavirus disease of the 2019 pandemic caused much fear among people with chronic diseases and those on immunosuppressant treatment because of spreading knowledge that the infection has a fatal course in these populations. People with Multiple Sclerosis on ocrelizumab treatment share this fear too. We aimed to investigate treatment and lifestyle changes of people with multiple sclerosis on ocrelizumab treatment during the lockdown. Methods: We surveyed 199 of our registered multiple sclerosis patients on ocrelizumab treatment by phone. Results: In this survey, delays in treating 22 (11%) patients were not caused by fear of immunosuppressive drug use but rather by the general fear of contracting a fatal disease, which is the case during traveling and hospital visits. There was a positive correlation between living alone and treatment delay (P = .029), emphasizing the role of family support or just the presence of another person during the pandemic. Conclusion: Vaccines might soon solve the pandemic's issue, which is not the case with multiple sclerosis progression, so we should think twice before discontinuing the treatment.

Validity and reliability of "Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire" for the Turkish Population.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive reserve (CR) is the ability to counteract brain damage through differential recruitment of brain networks. Besides, it has also been observed that lifetime intellectual enriching skills reduce the effect of disease burden on cognitive status. The Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq), which is a method for the quantitative measurement and comprehensive evaluation of the CR, that individuals have accumulated throughout their lifetimes. The present study aimed to adapt CRIq to the Turkish population. METHODS: CRIq is a 20-item questionnaire consisting of 3 sub-scales (CRI-Education, CRI- Working Activity, CRI-Leisure Time). 271 females and 228 males, a total of 499 healthy volunteers participated in the study (mean age: 39.54±14.05, mean education years 13.14±4.84). Participants were evaluated with the "Brief International Cognitive Assessment for Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS)" and CRIq was applied. BICAMS was used to determine the validity of the CRIq. To determine the reliability, the questionnaire was applied again two weeks after the first application. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were measured for reliability analysis. Independent sample t-test was conducted to observe the difference between genders. RESULTS: The Cronbach alpha coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.78, and the reliability of the questionnaire was acceptable. The findings showed that inter-rater reliability was quite high (ICC:0.95, 95% CI=1.000, n=36). The correlation between the first and second application of the questionnaire was found to be acceptable for both the sub-scales and the whole questionnaire. The highest CRIq scores were shown for young adults in CRI-Education and CRI-LeisureTime, for the middle-aged in CRIq-WorkingActivity, no significant differences in total CRIq scores. The males scored significantly higher in CRIq total scores than females, but there was not a significant difference in CRI-LeisureTime between genders. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of CRIq was found to be a valid and reliable method for evaluating cognitive reserve in healthy individuals.

Explanatory factors of balance confidence in persons with multiple sclerosis: Beyond the physical functions.

BACKGROUND: Balance confidence is considered a psychological element of falls and balance-demanding activities. The relationship of balance confidence with physical factors has been investigated; however, psychosocial correlates are not well known. The aim was to investigate the relationship between balance confidence and physical and psychosocial factors and to reveal the determinants of balance confidence in persons with MS (pwMS). METHODS: A total of 445 pwMS were enrolled in the study. Balance confidence was assessed with the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale. Psychosocial-based measures included the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Beck Depression Scale (BDI), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). The Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ), Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and Single Leg Stance Test (SLS) were used to assess physical functions. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between the ABC score and all physical and psychosocial measures (p<0.05). Hierarchical linear regression analyses indicated that psychosocial factors were significantly associated with ABC accounting for 41% of the variance. The addition of physical variables explained an additional 35% of variance over psychosocial variables. The MFIS, SDMT, BDI, T25FW, 6MWT, and SLS were significantly predictive of the ABC. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the importance of considering both physical and psychosocial factors for understanding balance confidence in pwMS. Besides, intervention strategies for enhancing balance confidence should aim to improve fatigue, depression, and cognition in addition to physical components.