jana pöttgen | University of Hamburg (original) (raw)

Papers by jana pöttgen

Research paper thumbnail of Perceived and Objective Attentional Deficits in Multiple Sclerosis

Zeitschrift Fur Neuropsychologie, Sep 1, 2015

. Initially we assessed self-rated cognitive deficits, depression and quality of life in MS patie... more . Initially we assessed self-rated cognitive deficits, depression and quality of life in MS patients and healthy controls (n = 299) by an online survey. Secondly, attention performance of MS outpatients (n = 33) was objectively assessed by the Test battery for Attention Performance and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Overall, MS patients rated themselves significantly worse than controls in attentional functioning. This was reflected by a weak performance in objective tests of phasic alertness and divided attention of the MS patients compared to normative data. Subscales of subjective cognitive functioning in the online survey showed significant associations with objective measures after statistical controlling for depression (r = .370 to r = .517). Results show the differences in perceived cognitive performance between MS patients and healthy controls, and self-reported instrument are able to provide relevant information on complex attention performance and hereby on everyday functioning.

Research paper thumbnail of In search of distinct MS-related fatigue subtypes: results from a multi-cohort analysis in 1.403 MS patients

Journal of Neurology, Apr 19, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Validation of the German eHealth Impact Questionnaire for online health information users

Research Square (Research Square), Apr 22, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of German eHealth Impact Questionnaire for Online Health Information Users with Multiple Sclerosis: Instrument Validation Study

Research paper thumbnail of Non-pharmacological randomized intervention trial for the management of neuropsychological symptoms in outpatients with progressive multiple sclerosis

Applied Neuropsychology: Adult

Research paper thumbnail of Do Impulse Control Disorders Impair Car Driving Performance in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease?

Journal of Parkinson's Disease

Background: Based on data regarding the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the prevalence of... more Background: Based on data regarding the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the prevalence of impulsive control disorders (ICD) in PD, and the percentage of PD patients driving a car, it has to be assumed that at least 50,000 PD patients with ICD in Germany actively drive a car. However, these patients might be at risk for unsafe driving due to ICD-related dysfunctions such as failure to resist an impulse or temptation, to control an act or other altered neurobehavioral processes. Objective: This study determines the influence of ICD on driving ability in PD. Methods: We prospectively compared driving simulator performance of 23 PD patients with and 23 matched patients without ICD. ICD had to be socially compensated and presence was defined clinically for primary and questionnaire-based (QUIP-RS) for post-hoc analyses. Furthermore, between-group comparisons of driving-relevant neuropsychological tests were executed. Results: Except from a lower blinking frequency when changing l...

Research paper thumbnail of Validation of the German eHealth impact questionnaire for online health information users affected by multiple sclerosis

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Background Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are confronted by an overwhelming amount of onlin... more Background Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are confronted by an overwhelming amount of online health information, which can be valuable but also vary in quality and aim. Therefore, it is of great importance for developers and providers of eHealth information to understand its impact on the users. The eHealth Impact Questionnaire (eHIQ) has been developed in the United Kingdom to measure the potential effects of health and experimental information websites. This contains user’s general attitudes towards using the internet to gain health information and attitudes towards a specific health related website. The self-complete questionnaire is divided into two independently administered and scored parts: the 11-item eHIQ part 1 and the 26-item eHIQ part 2. This study aimed to validate the psychometric properties of the German version of the eHealth Impact Questionnaire (eHIQ-G). Methods 162 people with multiple sclerosis browsed one of two possible websites containing information on ...

Research paper thumbnail of Psychobehavioral Treatment Options for Sexual Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

International Journal of MS Care

Background: Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant but overlooked impairm... more Background: Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant but overlooked impairment, and treatment options are rare. The aims of this systematic review were to identify psychological interventions used to treat sexual dysfunction in MS, to estimate their benefit, and to note appropriate treatment approaches for research projects and clinical use. Methods: A systematic review update was conducted to find psychological interventions aiming to improve sexual dysfunction in MS. A comprehensive search and review of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed were completed, and the effects and quality of selected studies were reported. Results: Six publications with 295 participants were identified. All selected studies assessed the effectiveness of psychological interventions on sexual dysfunction or sexual satisfaction in people with MS; four studies directly targeted sexual dysfunction in MS, one was a mindfulness yoga program to improve fatigue and quality of life, and one...

Research paper thumbnail of Validation of the German eHealth Impact Questionnaire for online health information users

Background: Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are confronted by an overwhelming amount of onli... more Background: Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are confronted by an overwhelming amount of online health information, which can be valuable but also vary in quality and aim. Therefore, it is of great importance for developers and providers of eHealth information to understand its impact on the users. The eHealth Impact Questionnaire (eHIQ) has been developed in the United Kingdom to measure the potential effects of health and experimental information websites. This contains user’s general attitudes towards using the internet to gain health information and attitudes towards a specific health related website. The self-complete questionnaire is divided into two independently administered and scored parts: the 11-item eHIQ part 1 and the 26-item eHIQ part 2. This study aimed to validate the psychometric properties of the German version of the eHealth Impact Questionnaire (eHIQ-G).Methods: 162 people with multiple sclerosis browsed one of two possible websites containing information on...

Research paper thumbnail of German eHealth Impact Questionnaire for Online Health Information Users with Multiple Sclerosis: Instrument Validation Study

Introduction: This study aimed to validate the psychometric properties of the German eHealth Impa... more Introduction: This study aimed to validate the psychometric properties of the German eHealth Impact Questionnaire (eHIQ-G), which is divided into two independently administered and scored parts. Methods: 162 people with MS browsed one of two possible websites containing information on MS and completed an online survey. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha and structural validity by Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Construct validity was examined by assessing correlations with the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Moreover, the mean difference of the eHIQ-G score between the two websites was investigated. Results: Cronbach’s alpha for the eHIQ-G subscales ranged from .833 to .885. The eHIQ-G part 1 achieved acceptable levels of goodness-of-fit indices, whereas the fit for the eHIQ-G part 2 was poor and likewise for the alternative modified models. The correlations with the reference instruments were 0.08 – 0.62 and as expected. Older ag...

Research paper thumbnail of Cross-Country Adaptation of a Psychological Flexibility Measure: The Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Processes

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022

Purpose: The Comprehensive assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) processes (CompA... more Purpose: The Comprehensive assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) processes (CompACT) is a 23-item self-report questionnaire assessing psychological flexibility, which is the overarching construct underpinning the ACT framework. We conducted a two-phase project to develop validated versions of the CompACT in three languages: phase 1—cross-cultural adaptation; and phase 2—psychometric validation of the questionnaire for use in Italy, Germany and Spain. This article focuses on the first phase. Methods: We translated and culturally adapted the CompACT in the three target languages, following the ISPOR TCA Task Force guidelines. The process was overseen by a translation panel (three translators, at least two multiple sclerosis (MS) researchers and a lay person), ACT experts and clinicians from the research team of each country and the original CompACT developers. We debriefed the new questionnaire versions via face-to-face interviews with a minimum of four adults from the...

Research paper thumbnail of aHSCT is superior to alemtuzumab in maintaining NEDA and improving cognition in multiple sclerosis

Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, 2021

ObjectiveAutologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is increasingly recognized as... more ObjectiveAutologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is increasingly recognized as a potential therapy for patients with highly active multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aims to assess outcome differences in disease activity in MS patients treated either with aHSCT or alemtuzumab.MethodsWe conducted a monocentric registry‐based cohort study by recording the clinical course (EDSS and relapses), MRI parameters (new T2 lesions), and neuropsychological assessment in all 19 MS patients receiving aHSCT, and all 21 patients receiving alemtuzumab between 2007 and 2018. We used survival analyses of no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) as the primary objective which was defined by no EDSS progression, no relapse, and no new T2 lesion on MRI. Secondary objectives were EDSS improvement and neurocognitive performance.ResultsBoth treatment groups were similar in respect of age, gender, disability, and neurocognitive performance except for significantly longer disease duration in...

Research paper thumbnail of Arm Ergometry to Improve Mobility in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (AMBOS)—Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Frontiers in Neurology, 2021

Background: Walking disability is one of the most frequent and burdening symptoms of progressive ... more Background: Walking disability is one of the most frequent and burdening symptoms of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Most of the exercise intervention studies that showed an improvement in mobility performance were conducted in low to moderately disabled relapsing–remitting MS patients with interventions using the legs. However, MS patients with substantial walking disability hardly can perform these tasks. Earlier work has indicated that aerobic arm training might also improve walking performance and could therefore be a therapeutic option in already moderately disabled progressive MS patients.Methods: Patients with progressive MS and EDSS 4–6.5 were randomized using a computer-generated algorithm list to either a waitlist control group (CG) or an intervention group (IG). The IG performed a 12-week home-based, individualized arm ergometry exercise training program. Maximum walking distance as measured by the 6-min walking test (6MWT) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoin...

Research paper thumbnail of Computerized contrast vision test predicts visual function better than charts in multiple sclerosis patients

Background: Impaired low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA) is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and o... more Background: Impaired low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA) is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological diseases. Its assessment is often limited to selected contrasts, for example, 2.5% or 1.25%. Computerized adaptive testing with the quick contrast-sensitivity function (qCSF) method allows assessment across expanded contrast and spatial frequency ranges. Objective: The objective of this article is to compare qCSF with high- and low-contrast charts and patient-reported visual function. Methods: We enrolled 131 consecutive MS patients (mean age 39.6 years) to assess high-contrast visual acuity (HCVA) at 30 cm and 5 m, low-contrast vision with Sloan charts at 2.5% and 1.25%, qCSF and the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEIVFQ). Associations between the different measures were estimated with linear regression models corrected for age, gender and multiple testing. Results: The association between qCSF and Sloan charts (R2¼0.68) was higher than with H...

Research paper thumbnail of Aerobic Exercise Induces Functional and Structural Reorganization of CNS Networks in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Distinct Functional Connectivity Signatures of Impaired Social Cognition in Multiple Sclerosis

Frontiers in Neurology, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of In search of distinct MS-related fatigue subtypes: results from a multi-cohort analysis in 1.403 MS patients

Journal of Neurology, 2019

Fatigue is among the most disabling symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The comm... more Fatigue is among the most disabling symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The common distinction between cognitive and motor fatigue is typically incorporated in self-rating instruments, such as the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ), the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC) or the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The present study investigated the factor structure of the CFQ, the FSMC and the MFIS utilizing exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) as well as exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Data of 1.403 PwMS were analyzed, utilizing four samples. The first sample (N = 605) was assessed online and split into two stratified halves to perform EFA, CFA, and ESEM on the CFQ and FSMC. The second sample (N = 293) was another online sample. It served to calculate CFA and ESEM on the CFQ and FSMC. The third sample was gathered in a clinical setting (N = 196) and analyzed by applying CFA and ESEM to the FSMC. The fourth sample (N = 309) was assessed in a clinical setting and allowed to run a CFA and ESEM on the MFIS. Proposed factor structures of all questionnaires were largely confirmed in EFA. However, none of the calculated CFAs and ESEMs could verify the proposed factor structures of the three measures, even with oblique rotation techniques. The findings might have implications for future research into the pathophysiological basis of MS-related fatigue and could affect the suitability of such measures as outcomes for treatment trials, presumably targeting specific sub-components of fatigue.

Research paper thumbnail of Patient education for fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Can we predict cognitive decline after initial diagnosis of multiple sclerosis? Results from the German National early MS cohort (KKNMS)

Journal of Neurology, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Randomised controlled trial of a self-guided online fatigue intervention in multiple sclerosis

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 2018

ObjectiveFatigue is a major disabling symptom in many chronic diseases including multiple scleros... more ObjectiveFatigue is a major disabling symptom in many chronic diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), but treatment options are limited.Here, we tested the effectiveness of a self-guided , interactive, online fatigue management programme (ELEVIDA) based on principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and related psychotherapeutic approaches (eg, mindfulness) for reducing fatigue in MS.MethodsPatients with MS and self-reported fatigue were recruited via the website of the German MS Society and assigned via an automated randomisation generator (1:1, no blocking or stratification) to a 12-week online intervention (ELEVIDA, n=139, 82% female, mean age 40.8, median patient determined disease steps (PDDS) 3.0) or a waitlist control group (n=136, 79% female, mean age 41.9, median PDDS 3.0). The primary outcome was the Chalder Fatigue Scale. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, at week 12 (postintervention) and at follow-up (week 24).ResultsCompared with the control group, significa...

Research paper thumbnail of Perceived and Objective Attentional Deficits in Multiple Sclerosis

Zeitschrift Fur Neuropsychologie, Sep 1, 2015

. Initially we assessed self-rated cognitive deficits, depression and quality of life in MS patie... more . Initially we assessed self-rated cognitive deficits, depression and quality of life in MS patients and healthy controls (n = 299) by an online survey. Secondly, attention performance of MS outpatients (n = 33) was objectively assessed by the Test battery for Attention Performance and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Overall, MS patients rated themselves significantly worse than controls in attentional functioning. This was reflected by a weak performance in objective tests of phasic alertness and divided attention of the MS patients compared to normative data. Subscales of subjective cognitive functioning in the online survey showed significant associations with objective measures after statistical controlling for depression (r = .370 to r = .517). Results show the differences in perceived cognitive performance between MS patients and healthy controls, and self-reported instrument are able to provide relevant information on complex attention performance and hereby on everyday functioning.

Research paper thumbnail of In search of distinct MS-related fatigue subtypes: results from a multi-cohort analysis in 1.403 MS patients

Journal of Neurology, Apr 19, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Validation of the German eHealth Impact Questionnaire for online health information users

Research Square (Research Square), Apr 22, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of German eHealth Impact Questionnaire for Online Health Information Users with Multiple Sclerosis: Instrument Validation Study

Research paper thumbnail of Non-pharmacological randomized intervention trial for the management of neuropsychological symptoms in outpatients with progressive multiple sclerosis

Applied Neuropsychology: Adult

Research paper thumbnail of Do Impulse Control Disorders Impair Car Driving Performance in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease?

Journal of Parkinson's Disease

Background: Based on data regarding the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the prevalence of... more Background: Based on data regarding the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD), the prevalence of impulsive control disorders (ICD) in PD, and the percentage of PD patients driving a car, it has to be assumed that at least 50,000 PD patients with ICD in Germany actively drive a car. However, these patients might be at risk for unsafe driving due to ICD-related dysfunctions such as failure to resist an impulse or temptation, to control an act or other altered neurobehavioral processes. Objective: This study determines the influence of ICD on driving ability in PD. Methods: We prospectively compared driving simulator performance of 23 PD patients with and 23 matched patients without ICD. ICD had to be socially compensated and presence was defined clinically for primary and questionnaire-based (QUIP-RS) for post-hoc analyses. Furthermore, between-group comparisons of driving-relevant neuropsychological tests were executed. Results: Except from a lower blinking frequency when changing l...

Research paper thumbnail of Validation of the German eHealth impact questionnaire for online health information users affected by multiple sclerosis

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Background Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are confronted by an overwhelming amount of onlin... more Background Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are confronted by an overwhelming amount of online health information, which can be valuable but also vary in quality and aim. Therefore, it is of great importance for developers and providers of eHealth information to understand its impact on the users. The eHealth Impact Questionnaire (eHIQ) has been developed in the United Kingdom to measure the potential effects of health and experimental information websites. This contains user’s general attitudes towards using the internet to gain health information and attitudes towards a specific health related website. The self-complete questionnaire is divided into two independently administered and scored parts: the 11-item eHIQ part 1 and the 26-item eHIQ part 2. This study aimed to validate the psychometric properties of the German version of the eHealth Impact Questionnaire (eHIQ-G). Methods 162 people with multiple sclerosis browsed one of two possible websites containing information on ...

Research paper thumbnail of Psychobehavioral Treatment Options for Sexual Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

International Journal of MS Care

Background: Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant but overlooked impairm... more Background: Sexual dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is a significant but overlooked impairment, and treatment options are rare. The aims of this systematic review were to identify psychological interventions used to treat sexual dysfunction in MS, to estimate their benefit, and to note appropriate treatment approaches for research projects and clinical use. Methods: A systematic review update was conducted to find psychological interventions aiming to improve sexual dysfunction in MS. A comprehensive search and review of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and PubMed were completed, and the effects and quality of selected studies were reported. Results: Six publications with 295 participants were identified. All selected studies assessed the effectiveness of psychological interventions on sexual dysfunction or sexual satisfaction in people with MS; four studies directly targeted sexual dysfunction in MS, one was a mindfulness yoga program to improve fatigue and quality of life, and one...

Research paper thumbnail of Validation of the German eHealth Impact Questionnaire for online health information users

Background: Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are confronted by an overwhelming amount of onli... more Background: Persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) are confronted by an overwhelming amount of online health information, which can be valuable but also vary in quality and aim. Therefore, it is of great importance for developers and providers of eHealth information to understand its impact on the users. The eHealth Impact Questionnaire (eHIQ) has been developed in the United Kingdom to measure the potential effects of health and experimental information websites. This contains user’s general attitudes towards using the internet to gain health information and attitudes towards a specific health related website. The self-complete questionnaire is divided into two independently administered and scored parts: the 11-item eHIQ part 1 and the 26-item eHIQ part 2. This study aimed to validate the psychometric properties of the German version of the eHealth Impact Questionnaire (eHIQ-G).Methods: 162 people with multiple sclerosis browsed one of two possible websites containing information on...

Research paper thumbnail of German eHealth Impact Questionnaire for Online Health Information Users with Multiple Sclerosis: Instrument Validation Study

Introduction: This study aimed to validate the psychometric properties of the German eHealth Impa... more Introduction: This study aimed to validate the psychometric properties of the German eHealth Impact Questionnaire (eHIQ-G), which is divided into two independently administered and scored parts. Methods: 162 people with MS browsed one of two possible websites containing information on MS and completed an online survey. Internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach’s alpha and structural validity by Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Construct validity was examined by assessing correlations with the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Moreover, the mean difference of the eHIQ-G score between the two websites was investigated. Results: Cronbach’s alpha for the eHIQ-G subscales ranged from .833 to .885. The eHIQ-G part 1 achieved acceptable levels of goodness-of-fit indices, whereas the fit for the eHIQ-G part 2 was poor and likewise for the alternative modified models. The correlations with the reference instruments were 0.08 – 0.62 and as expected. Older ag...

Research paper thumbnail of Cross-Country Adaptation of a Psychological Flexibility Measure: The Comprehensive Assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Processes

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2022

Purpose: The Comprehensive assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) processes (CompA... more Purpose: The Comprehensive assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) processes (CompACT) is a 23-item self-report questionnaire assessing psychological flexibility, which is the overarching construct underpinning the ACT framework. We conducted a two-phase project to develop validated versions of the CompACT in three languages: phase 1—cross-cultural adaptation; and phase 2—psychometric validation of the questionnaire for use in Italy, Germany and Spain. This article focuses on the first phase. Methods: We translated and culturally adapted the CompACT in the three target languages, following the ISPOR TCA Task Force guidelines. The process was overseen by a translation panel (three translators, at least two multiple sclerosis (MS) researchers and a lay person), ACT experts and clinicians from the research team of each country and the original CompACT developers. We debriefed the new questionnaire versions via face-to-face interviews with a minimum of four adults from the...

Research paper thumbnail of aHSCT is superior to alemtuzumab in maintaining NEDA and improving cognition in multiple sclerosis

Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology, 2021

ObjectiveAutologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is increasingly recognized as... more ObjectiveAutologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is increasingly recognized as a potential therapy for patients with highly active multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aims to assess outcome differences in disease activity in MS patients treated either with aHSCT or alemtuzumab.MethodsWe conducted a monocentric registry‐based cohort study by recording the clinical course (EDSS and relapses), MRI parameters (new T2 lesions), and neuropsychological assessment in all 19 MS patients receiving aHSCT, and all 21 patients receiving alemtuzumab between 2007 and 2018. We used survival analyses of no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) as the primary objective which was defined by no EDSS progression, no relapse, and no new T2 lesion on MRI. Secondary objectives were EDSS improvement and neurocognitive performance.ResultsBoth treatment groups were similar in respect of age, gender, disability, and neurocognitive performance except for significantly longer disease duration in...

Research paper thumbnail of Arm Ergometry to Improve Mobility in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (AMBOS)—Results of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Frontiers in Neurology, 2021

Background: Walking disability is one of the most frequent and burdening symptoms of progressive ... more Background: Walking disability is one of the most frequent and burdening symptoms of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). Most of the exercise intervention studies that showed an improvement in mobility performance were conducted in low to moderately disabled relapsing–remitting MS patients with interventions using the legs. However, MS patients with substantial walking disability hardly can perform these tasks. Earlier work has indicated that aerobic arm training might also improve walking performance and could therefore be a therapeutic option in already moderately disabled progressive MS patients.Methods: Patients with progressive MS and EDSS 4–6.5 were randomized using a computer-generated algorithm list to either a waitlist control group (CG) or an intervention group (IG). The IG performed a 12-week home-based, individualized arm ergometry exercise training program. Maximum walking distance as measured by the 6-min walking test (6MWT) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoin...

Research paper thumbnail of Computerized contrast vision test predicts visual function better than charts in multiple sclerosis patients

Background: Impaired low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA) is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and o... more Background: Impaired low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA) is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological diseases. Its assessment is often limited to selected contrasts, for example, 2.5% or 1.25%. Computerized adaptive testing with the quick contrast-sensitivity function (qCSF) method allows assessment across expanded contrast and spatial frequency ranges. Objective: The objective of this article is to compare qCSF with high- and low-contrast charts and patient-reported visual function. Methods: We enrolled 131 consecutive MS patients (mean age 39.6 years) to assess high-contrast visual acuity (HCVA) at 30 cm and 5 m, low-contrast vision with Sloan charts at 2.5% and 1.25%, qCSF and the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire (NEIVFQ). Associations between the different measures were estimated with linear regression models corrected for age, gender and multiple testing. Results: The association between qCSF and Sloan charts (R2¼0.68) was higher than with H...

Research paper thumbnail of Aerobic Exercise Induces Functional and Structural Reorganization of CNS Networks in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of Distinct Functional Connectivity Signatures of Impaired Social Cognition in Multiple Sclerosis

Frontiers in Neurology, 2020

Research paper thumbnail of In search of distinct MS-related fatigue subtypes: results from a multi-cohort analysis in 1.403 MS patients

Journal of Neurology, 2019

Fatigue is among the most disabling symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The comm... more Fatigue is among the most disabling symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). The common distinction between cognitive and motor fatigue is typically incorporated in self-rating instruments, such as the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ), the Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC) or the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The present study investigated the factor structure of the CFQ, the FSMC and the MFIS utilizing exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) as well as exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Data of 1.403 PwMS were analyzed, utilizing four samples. The first sample (N = 605) was assessed online and split into two stratified halves to perform EFA, CFA, and ESEM on the CFQ and FSMC. The second sample (N = 293) was another online sample. It served to calculate CFA and ESEM on the CFQ and FSMC. The third sample was gathered in a clinical setting (N = 196) and analyzed by applying CFA and ESEM to the FSMC. The fourth sample (N = 309) was assessed in a clinical setting and allowed to run a CFA and ESEM on the MFIS. Proposed factor structures of all questionnaires were largely confirmed in EFA. However, none of the calculated CFAs and ESEMs could verify the proposed factor structures of the three measures, even with oblique rotation techniques. The findings might have implications for future research into the pathophysiological basis of MS-related fatigue and could affect the suitability of such measures as outcomes for treatment trials, presumably targeting specific sub-components of fatigue.

Research paper thumbnail of Patient education for fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Can we predict cognitive decline after initial diagnosis of multiple sclerosis? Results from the German National early MS cohort (KKNMS)

Journal of Neurology, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Randomised controlled trial of a self-guided online fatigue intervention in multiple sclerosis

Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 2018

ObjectiveFatigue is a major disabling symptom in many chronic diseases including multiple scleros... more ObjectiveFatigue is a major disabling symptom in many chronic diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), but treatment options are limited.Here, we tested the effectiveness of a self-guided , interactive, online fatigue management programme (ELEVIDA) based on principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and related psychotherapeutic approaches (eg, mindfulness) for reducing fatigue in MS.MethodsPatients with MS and self-reported fatigue were recruited via the website of the German MS Society and assigned via an automated randomisation generator (1:1, no blocking or stratification) to a 12-week online intervention (ELEVIDA, n=139, 82% female, mean age 40.8, median patient determined disease steps (PDDS) 3.0) or a waitlist control group (n=136, 79% female, mean age 41.9, median PDDS 3.0). The primary outcome was the Chalder Fatigue Scale. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, at week 12 (postintervention) and at follow-up (week 24).ResultsCompared with the control group, significa...