Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test: A Reliable, Sensitive, and Meaningful Tool to Quantify MS Related Disability (P3.129)

OBJECTIVE: To validate the Multiple Sclerosis Performance Test (MSPT). BACKGROUND: The MSPT is a self-administered, iPad®-based, neuroperformance assessment tool that was designed to simulate the technician-administered Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC). MSPT includes a walking module, two versions of the 9HPT, low contrast letter acuity, and the Processing Speed Test, which simulates the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. The MSPT has the potential to provide reliable and valid MS-specific neuroperformance data without technician intervention, resulting in more frequent assessment intervals, error-less scoring and record entry, and wireless integration into research databases or electronic health records. DESIGN/METHODS: Patient self-administered MSPT and technician-administered MSFC scores were derived from 51 MS patients representing a range of MS severity, and 40 age and gender-matched healthy controls (HC’s). Test reproducibility, correlation between MSPT and MSFC scores, ability to distinguish MS from HCs, ability to distinguish mild from severe MS, and relationship with patient-reported outcomes were determined. RESULTS: MSPT demonstrated favorable performance characteristics compared with technician-based MSFC testing. Test-retest Concordance Correlation Coefficients for MSPT ranged from 0.857 - 0.979 compared with 0.865 - 0.975 for MSFC. MSPT and MSFC scores correlated strongly - Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from 0.860-0.946. MSPT scores better distinguished MS from HCs compared with MSFC scores, and better distinguished severe vs. mild MS (data to be presented). Walking speed, 9HPT, and PST, measured using MSPT, correlated significantly with patient reports derived from the MS Performance Scales (Pearson correlation coefficient r values ranging from 0.39 to 0.84. CONCLUSIONS: MSPT provides reliable, sensitive, and clinically-meaningful data on MS disease-related neurological and neuropsychological functioning, and test characteristics were favorable when compared with technician-derived MSFC data. MSPT is an attractive new tool for measuring MS disease severity in research and clinical settings. Study Supported by: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Disclosure: Dr. Rudick has received personal compensation for activities with Novartis and Genzyme Corporation. Dr. Rudick has received license fee payments from a patent. Dr. Rudick has received research support from Genzyme Corporation and Novartis. Dr. Miller has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Quality of Life Research. Dr. Miller has received research support from Novartis. Dr. Bethoux has received personal compensation for activities with Acorda Therapeutics, Biogen Idec, Merz Pharma, Medtronic Inc., and Allergan, Inc. Dr. Bethoux has received research support from Acorda Therapeutics, Innovative Neurotronics, and Medtronic Inc. Dr. Rao has received personal compensation for activities with Novartis, Biogen Idec, and Genzyme Corp. Dr. Rao has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for the American Psychological Association. Dr. Rao has received research support from Biogen Idec and Novartis. Dr. Lee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stough has nothing to disclose. Dr. Reece has nothing to disclose. Dr. Schindler has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alberts has received personal compensation for activities with Boston Scientific Corporation, Juniper Health Systems, and I1 Biometrics. Dr. Alberts has received research support from the National Institutes of Health, and the National Football League Players Association.