Experiences of People with Multiple Sclerosis in Sensor-Based Jump Assessment.

Abstract

(1) Background: When implementing new biomechanical and technology-based assessments, such as the jump assessment in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), into clinical routine, it is important to ensure that they are based on the real needs of patients and to identify and adapt to potential barriers early on. (2) Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 157 pwMS performed a sensor-based jump assessment on a force plate consisting of three jump tests: 10 s jump test (10SHT), countermovement jumps (CMJ), and single-leg countermovement jumps (SLCMJ). After the jump assessment, the patient experience measures (PREM) were recorded using a paper-based questionnaire on an 11-point scale from 0 (positive) to 10 (negative). (3) Results: PwMS showed an overall positive experience with the sensor-based jump assessment. "Staff support performance", "acceptance required time", "usefulness" of the results, and "integration of results in therapy" were the best rated items with a median of 0 (positive). The CMJ was perceived as the easy (p < 0.05) and less exhausting (p < 0.05). PwMS who experienced CMJ as easy, not exhausting, and safe were associated with higher CMJ performance, especially in peak power, flight time, and jump height (r > -0.4). Significant associations were found between PREMs and age, sex, BMI, physical activity, and disability degree. (4) Conclusions: The study findings support the feasibility of jump assessment in clinical practice and highlight the need for patient-centered integration of innovative technologies to optimize precision neuromuscular function evaluation in MS.