Variation in assistive technology use in Motor Neuron Disease according to clinical phenotypes and ALS Functional Rating Scale - Revised Score: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND

Assistive devices enhance independence and quality of life for people living with motor neuron disease (MND), but prescription can be challenging.

OBJECTIVE

Improved prescription of assistive devices, through improved understanding of the relationship between clinical phenotypes, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale - Revised (ALSFRS-R) functional domain sub-scores and assistive technology required by people living with MND.

METHODS

Prospective, observational consecutive-sample study of 269 patients with MND diagnosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

MND phenotype, ALSFRS-R scores and assistive technology devices in use.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference in total concurrent assistive technology item use was found between phenotypes (p = 0.001), with those with ALS Bulbar onset using the least. There was also a statistically significant difference in assistive technology usage in five of seven assistive technology categories across the clinical phenotypes, namely orthoses (p < 0.000), mobility devices (p < 0.000), transfer devices (p < 0.000), communication devices (p < 0.000), and activities of daily living devices (p = 0.016). Correlations between ALSFRS-R sub-score items and assistive technology count confirmed the utility of this outcome measure for equipment prescription.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians need to consider MND phenotype and/or ALSFRS-R domain sub-score in clinical decision-making regarding assistive technology, as this will determine the pattern of disease and its progression, and hence assistive technology required.