Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by a wide range of symptoms, of which physical and cognitive impairments are prominent. Cognitive functioning in...Show moreObjective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by a wide range of symptoms, of which physical and cognitive impairments are prominent. Cognitive functioning in MS has received increasing attention due to its significant impact on quality of life. However, the exact relationship between physical functioning and cognitive functioning in people with MS (PwMS) remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of physical outcome measures on cognitive functioning. Furthermore, the influence of disease severity and anxiety and depression on the relationship between physical outcome measures and cognitive functioning is explored. Methods: Conducted as part of the ‘Don’t be late!’ project, this study included 23 PwMS (Mean age = 46.63, SD = 11.13; 60.9 % female). Physical functioning was assessed using balance, walking speed, grip strength, dexterity and endurance. Furthermore, cognitive functioning was assessed using the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Functions in MS and disease severity and anxiety and depression were measured using the Expanded Disability Status Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively. Multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the predictive value of physical functioning on cognitive functioning. Mediation analyses were performed with disease severity and anxiety and depression as mediating factors. Results: No significant model for the predictive value of physical outcome measures on cognitive functioning was found (p = .117). Furthermore, the study found no significant mediating effects of disease severity (p = .979) or anxiety and depression (p = .633) on this relationship. Due to missing values on the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), a post-hoc analysis was conducted. Significant effects were found for the predictive value of balance (p = .016), dexterity (p = .045) and walking speed (p = .008) on cognitive functioning. Conclusion: The study identified significant links between balance, dexterity, walking speed, and cognitive functioning in PwMS. It faced limitations including a small sample size and its cross-sectional nature. Despite these limitations, this study suggests that the interplay between physical and cognitive domains in MS is multifaceted and warrants more nuance investigation.Show less
