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Measures of Physical and Cognitive Function and Work Status Among Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis: A Review of the Literature

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Abstract

The purpose of this review was to critically evaluate the multiple sclerosis (MS) literature that has examined physical and cognitive function in relation to ability to work. Although numerous factors may be considered when determining work ability, physical and/or cognitive functional limitations associated with MS are presumably the primary determinants of work capacity. An exhaustive search of the literature produced 20 research articles that described 18 studies. Findings from these studies support that limitations in physical or cognitive function can hinder one’s ability to work; however, ability to work could not be based solely on these measures of function. Work ability among individuals extended beyond measures of impairment to include level of education, job characteristics, and disease symptoms such as fatigue. In summary, measures of physical and cognitive function can guide physicians when clinically evaluating an individual with MS, but are poor indicators for precluding an individual from working.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina

    Lisa A. Pompeii & Samuel D. Moon

  2. Duke Center for Clinical Health Policy Research Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina

    Douglas C. McCrory (Assistant Research Professor)

  3. Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina

    Douglas C. McCrory (Assistant Research Professor)

  4. Duke University Medical Center, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2200 W. Main Street, Suite 700, Durham, NC, 27705

    Lisa A. Pompeii

Authors
  1. Lisa A. Pompeii
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  2. Samuel D. Moon
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  3. Douglas C. McCrory
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Pompeii, L.A., Moon, S.D. & McCrory, D.C. Measures of Physical and Cognitive Function and Work Status Among Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis: A Review of the Literature. J Occup Rehabil 15, 69–84 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-005-0875-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-005-0875-y

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