NHPT Worsening in Progressive MS Patients

A study of 131 patients with progressive MS found that hand function, measured by the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), deteriorated over two years. Approximately 25% experienced worsening at 12 months and 40% at 24 months. Different definitions of worsening showed variations, with paradoxical improvement in some cases.

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Source: Read original source (PMID 42763308)

This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.

Why it matters

These findings highlight the progressive decline in hand function in non-ambulatory progressive MS patients, which is important for clinical trial design and understanding disease progression.

What this does not prove

The study does not establish causation or the long-term effects of NHPT as a primary outcome measure for clinical trials.

Next milestone

No next milestone was established from the available source.

Study facts

Study design: Not reported
Participants / samples: 131 · number of patients included in the study
Randomised: Not reported
Controlled: Not reported
Primary endpoint met: Yes
Relevant MS type: PPMS
Publication date: 2026-09-19
Evidence reviewed: Abstract only
Regulatory approval: Not reported
Research areas: Other

Original sources

Primary evidenceClinical trials in non-ambulatory people with progressive multiple sclerosis: can the nine hole peg test step up as primary outcome measure? ↗DOI: 10.1007/s00415-026-14140-1

Supporting passages (10)

publication datePublication date: 2026-09-19

relevant ms typesprogressive MS.

subjectsMETHODS: We included 131 patients from the Belgian National MS Center (Melsbroek) database with (1) progressive MS, (2) a baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of ≥ 7.0, and (3) available NHPT and EDSS scores at baseline, 12, and 24 months.

sample sizeMETHODS: We included 131 patients from the Belgian National MS Center (Melsbroek) database with (1) progressive MS, (2) a baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of ≥ 7.0, and (3) available NHPT and EDSS scores at baseline, 12, and 24 months.

sample size basisMETHODS: We included 131 patients from the Belgian National MS Center (Melsbroek) database with (1) progressive MS, (2) a baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of ≥ 7.0, and (3) available NHPT and EDSS scores at baseline, 12, and 24 months.

primary endpoint metWe aimed to describe two-year NHPT trajectories and identify predictors of worsening in this population to inform the design of such trials.

research categoriesCONCLUSION: Hand function deteriorates in non-ambulatory people with progressive MS.

primary endpointUsing hand function - assessed with the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) - as a primary endpoint could enable their inclusion.

findingsRESULTS: Across all four definitions, NHPT performance consistently worsened over time.

limitationsTitle: Clinical trials in non-ambulatory people with progressive multiple sclerosis: can the nine hole peg test step up as primary outcome measure?

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