Functioning of patients with multifocal motor neuropathy.

Patients with multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) have slowly progressive, predominantly distal asymmetric limb weakness without sensory loss. While previous studies have investigated the impact of MMN on body functions and structures, relatively little is known about the impact of patients' weakness on daily functioning. The aim of the present cross-sectional study, involving 47 patients with MMN, was to evaluate determinants of patients' functioning. Most patients showed not only muscle weakness but also fatigue, limited dexterity, and limited walking ability. Regression models showed that age, hand aids, and muscle strength scores together explained 54% of the variance in dexterity scores, which in turn explained 8% of the variance in patients' scores for autonomy indoors. Age, the use of walking aids, and muscle strength scores together explained 58% of the variance in walking ability scores, which in turn explained 18% of the variance in patients' scores for autonomy indoors and 7% of the variance in patients' scores for autonomy outdoors. Assessment of determinants of patient functioning may make it possible to tailor interventions to address these aspects and thereby improve patients' functioning in daily life.