1) Analyze the relationship between uppers limbs function (ULs), lower limbs function (LLs) and EDSS in patient with multiple sclerosis (PwMS)

 2) Investigate the association between the impairment of ULs, LLs and the EDSS, with measures of health related quality of life (HRQoL) and depression in PwMS. 

140 PwMS were recruited. The following variables were evaluated: ULs Function (NHPT), LLs Function (T25FW), Global Disability (EDSS), HRQOL (Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life Questionnaire - MusiQol), Depression (Beck Depression Inventory II). A descriptive analysis of all the included variables was carried out.

The following statistical methods are used for inferential analyzes: structural equation model, Mann Whitney media difference test, Spearman correlations and multiple linear regression.

It was found a greater association between ULs and EDSS than between LLs and EDSS (0.43 vs. 0.29, R2: 0.38). Significant differences were found between ULs of patients with EDSS <5 and> 5 (p: <.001). Significant and negative associations were found between ULs, EDSS and MusiQol: (rS: between - 557 and - 358, p: <.05). The association between ULs and depression was greater than the LLs (0.098 vs 0.066). The value had statistical significance (t> 1.96).

There are association between ULs and global disability, depression, HRQoL. This association was stronger than the one found with LLs.

This study demonstrates the relevance of ULs function assessment PwMS and the importance of adding it to the disability assessment measures in daily practice.