Changes in activity participation after multiple sclerosis diagnosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in impairments in cognitive and motor skills, which may reduce the level of activity participation in people with MS. This study compares past and current levels of activity participation in adults with MS and controls. The relationship between retained activity participation (since diagnosis) and cognitive, motor, functional status, and depression symptoms of persons with MS was examined. Methods: Twenty-seven individuals with MS living in the community and 21 controls completed cognitive and motor tests and rated their activity participation (using the Activity Card Sort), depression symptoms, and functional status. Results: The MS group reported significantly lower current activity participation than the control group. Percentage of retained activity participation (from prediagnosis to current) in the MS group correlated with time since diagnosis, executive function and motor skill ability, depression symptoms, and current functional status. Conclusions: Persons with MS report negative changes in activity participation in most aspects of life after diagnosis. These findings call attention to changes in activity participation in people with MS that are directly related to disease symptoms. Therefore, using a quantitative measure of activity participation- the Activity Card Sort-can provide important information to aid the clinician in developing individualized treatment goals for people with MS.