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- MakaleYalnız künye2026Scopus SJRQ2A comparative analysis of the utilization of upper and lower extremity functions in mental chronometry tests in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Şekercan, Gizem; Yetkin, Mehmet Fatih; Karabudak, Rana; Tuncer, Aslı; Salcı, Yeliz
Background: Mental chronometry tests, including upper and lower extremity functions, evaluate the temporal congruence component of motor imagery. This study aimed to compare the utilization of upper and lower extremity functions in mental chronometry tests. Methods: This study included 70 individuals with multiple sclerosis and was designed based on an a priori power analysis. Mental chronometry tests, including the Box and Block Test (BBT) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), were administered, and execution times, motor imagery times, and mental chronometry ratios were compared between the most and least affected extremities. Results: A significant difference was observed in execution times between the most and least affected extremities in BBT (p = 0.001). Similarly, motor imagery times in BBT were significantly different between most and least affected extremities (p = 0.009). However, no significant difference was found in mental chronometry ratio between the most and least affected extremities (p = 0.179). Comparisons between upper and lower extremity tests revealed that the mental chronometry ratio was significantly higher for BBT than for TUG test in both the most affected and least affected extremities (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Individuals with MS showed differences in imagery–execution congruence between upper- and lower-extremity mental chronometry tasks, with higher congruence observed in the upper-extremity task. These findings support a task-specific interpretation of motor imagery performance rather than a generalized advantage of upper-extremity motor imagery. Trial registration: Not applicable. This study was observational and did not involve a clinical trial registration.
- Derleme MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ2The Impact of Upper Extremity Rehabilitation on Fatigue in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Şekercan, Gizem; Akbaş, Ecem Karanfil; Salcı, Yeliz
Background: Although numerous interventions have been investigated to alleviate fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), evidence regarding the effects of upper extremity rehabilitation on fatigue remains limited. Objective: The objective of this review was to evaluate and synthesize the available evidence on the effects of upper extremity rehabilitation interventions on fatigue in PwMS. Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was performed up to August 2026. Studies were eligible if they investigated the effects of upper extremity rehabilitation interventions on fatigue in PwMS. The risk of bias of randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2), and the certainty of the evidence was appraised using the GRADE methodology. Results: Nine studies including 250 participants (136 intervention, 114 control) met the inclusion criteria. The included studies evaluated a range of technology-assisted, exercise-based, home-based, and task-oriented upper extremity rehabilitation approaches, with some interventions incorporating more than one therapeutic or technological component. Fatigue outcomes were measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Risk of bias was low in three randomized controlled trials, with some concerns in two and high in two; among the two crossover studies, one was rated as low risk and one as high risk. GRADE assessment showed low certainty of evidence for studies using the FSS and very low certainty for those using the MFIS, indicating an overall low certainty of the available evidence. Conclusions: The available evidence is insufficient to draw definitive conclusions regarding the effects of upper extremity rehabilitation on fatigue in PwMS. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are required.
- MakaleAçık Erişim2025Scopus SJRQ1Evaluating Motor Imagery Capabilities in Fatigued Versus Non-Fatigued Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis Without Cognitive Impairment
Şekercan, Gizem; Fil, Ayla; Yetkin, Mehmet F.; Karabudak, Rana; Tuncer, Aslı; Salcı, Yeliz
Background: Motor imagery is adversely affected by various factors in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the impact of MS-related fatigue on motor imagery remains unclear. Our study aimed to compare motor imagery abilities between fatigued and non-fatigued individuals with MS without cognitive impairment. Methods: This study included 73 individuals with MS, with Expanded Disability Status Scale scores from 0 to 4.5. Participants were divided into 2 groups based on Fatigue Severity Scale scores: ≥4 for Fatigued Group and <4 for Non-fatigued Group. Assessment of motor imagery vividness was done through Kinesthetic and Visual Imagery Questionnaire-20 (KVIQ-20). The Box and Block Test (BBT) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) were employed for the temporal congruence component. Results: The mean ages of the Fatigued Group (30.4 ± 9.2 years) and the Non-fatigued Group (31.5 ± 9.8 years) were similar (P =.650). The fatigued Group exhibited significantly lower kinesthetic imagery scores on the KVIQ-20 (P =.028) and significantly lower performance in the BBT (upper extremities) mental chronometry test for both the most affected and least affected sides of the upper extremities (P =.007 and.028, respectively). Additionally, the Fatigued Group showed significantly lower performance in the TUG (lower extremities) mental chronometry test (P =.006). Conclusion: In fatigued individuals with MS, there is a greater impact on both temporal congruence components and kinesthetic motor imagery abilities. The difference in the temporal congruence component was observed in tests involving both TUG (lower extremities) and BBT (upper extremities), independent of the affected side.
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İncele - MakaleAçık Erişim2025Scopus SJRQ2Cervical proprioception and dysphagia severity in multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional clinical analysis
Abakay, Hanife; Yetkin, M. Fatih; Ayşe, G.Ü.Ç.; Şekercan, Gizem
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dysphagia severity and neck proprioception, pain, and mood in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The individuals were divided into two groups according to the severity of dysphagia: dysphagia group (n = 13) with a score of 3 and above on the Dysphagia Assessment Scale in Multiple Sclerosis (DYMUS) scale and mild dysphagia group (n = 13) with a score of 2 and below. Clinical swallowing function was evaluated with the Turkish version of the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (T-EAT-10) and DYMUS. Proprioception was assessed with a laser by noting the deviation from the center target in centimeters. Neck pain severity was assessed with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and mood was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Individuals with severe dysphagia demonstrated statistically significantly greater proprioceptive impairment in cervical extension and right rotation. A significant difference was also found between the two groups in terms of clinical swallowing evaluations, neck pain status, and mood measurements. The findings suggest that proprioceptive deficits, increased pain, and mood disturbances are closely associated with dysphagia severity in MS. A multidimensional approach addressing dysphagia, proprioception, and pain management may be beneficial in optimizing dysphagia rehabilitation in patients with MS.
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