Investigation of Validity and Reliability of the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Completed

• Conditions: Multiple Sclerosis

• Registration Number: NCT06704464
• Lead Sponsor: Gazi University

Brief Summary

Many assessment tools have been developed and used to evaluate upper extremity functions in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. While each test has its strengths and weaknesses, the most significant limitation of these tests is that only a limited number assess both hands simultaneously. On the other hand, most daily life activities require the coordinated use of both hands. In MS patients, bilateral impairments in hand functions can also be observed. Therefore, there is a need for bilateral assessment tools.

Unlike many other assessment tools, the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) allows for simultaneous evaluation of both hands. In addition to manual dexterity, it also assesses hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills. The MMDT consists of five subtests: placing, turning, displacing, single-hand turning and placing, and two-hand turning and placing. The validity of the MMDT has also been examined in MS patients.

Our study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the MMDT in MS patients. The cutoff times that best distinguish individuals with MS from healthy individuals will also be examined. The study aims to systematically and thoroughly evaluate the MMDT, establish it as a valid and reliable method for MS patients, and provide a new perspective on assessing hand functions.

Detailed Description

At baseline, the MMDT, EDSS, 9-hole peg test (9-HPT), ABILHAND survey, and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT) will be applied to the MS group. The MMDT will be repeated seven days after the first application in MS. Healthy controls are going to perform only the MMDT.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2024-11-18
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-11-24
• Study First Posted: 2024-11-26
• Study Start: 2024-11-28
• Primary Completion: 2025-01-25
• Study Completion: 2025-01-25
• Status Verified: 2025-03
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-03-17
• Last Update Posted: 2025-03-18

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 60

Inclusion Criteria

• Age at least 18 years,
• Neurologist-diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis,
• Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score between 0-6.5
• No MS exacerbation within the last 3 months,
• Use of stable medication in the last 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria

• Having any vision, hearing or perception problems that may affect the research results,
• Having an orthopedic problem that may affect manual skills in the upper extremity,
• Having a cardiovascular, pulmonary disorder

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test	baseline (on the predetermined assessment day)	The Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) is a performance test designed to evaluate hand functions and hand-eye coordination both unilaterally and bilaterally, higher scores mean a worse outcome.
Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test-second	the second assessment will be conducted after the seven days	The Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT) is a performance test designed to evaluate hand functions and hand-eye coordination both unilaterally and bilaterally, higher scores mean a worse outcome.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
9-Hole Peg Test	baseline (on the predetermined assessment day)	The 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT) evaluates hand dexterity based on performance, higher scores mean a worse outcome.
ABILHAND	baseline (on the predetermined assessment day)	to assess for performance of activity. score range 0-46 point, higher scores mean a better outcome.
The Jebsen Hand Function Test	baseline (on the predetermined assessment day)	The Jebsen Hand Function Test (JHFT) is one of the objective and standardized tests that assesses fine motor skills and functional hand use by simulating daily living activities, higher scores mean a worse outcome.
The Expanded Disability Status Scale	baseline (on the predetermined assessment day)	The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is a scale used to determine the degree of disability resulting from multiple sclerosis (MS). It evaluates eight functional domains: pyramidal, cerebellar, brainstem, sensory, bowel/bladder, visual, mental, and other functions.Score range 0-10, higher scores mean a worse outcome.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversity; 🇹🇷 Sivas, Turkey