Occupational Therapy Interventions and Their Impact on Work Performance and Activities of Daily Living in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

Background. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to various physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that significantly impact daily activities and work performance. Occupational therapy (OT) plays an important role in managing MS by providing interventions designed to improve functional performance, promote independence, and enhance overall well-being.

Aim. To evaluate the impact of OT interventions on work performance and activities of daily living in individuals with MS.

Methods. A total of 776 participants diagnosed with MS were included in this study. Data were collected through structured questions extracted from the MS Quality of Life-54 questionnaire. The study assessed the relationships between the type of MS, work performance, daily activities, and the effectiveness of OT interventions. Statistical analyses included Chi-Square tests, correlation analysis, calculations of standard deviation and variance, Box Plots, and ANOVA tests.

Results. The study found that 65% of participants reported reduced working hours, 78% performed fewer activities than desired, and 66% experienced limitations in work tasks or daily activities due to MS. Emotional problems also impacted work performance and daily activities. The ANOVA test revealed significant differences in reduced working hours, fewer activities, and the impact of emotional problems among different types of MS. Specifically, the relapsing-remitting type of MS showed the highest impact on work performance and daily activities.

Conclusions. OT plays a crucial role in addressing the functional and emotional challenges associated with MS. The interventions are particularly beneficial in improving work performance and daily activities, especially for individuals with the relapsing-remitting type of MS. Individualized OT strategies should be tailored to address the specific needs of individuals with different types of MS.

Keywords: occupational therapy; multiple sclerosis; daily activities; work performance.