Impact of Upper Limb Function on Activities of Daily Living and Quality of Life in Huntington’s Disease

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder associated with significant disability and impairment of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). The impact of upper limb disability on quality of life (QoL) and its influence on ADLs is not well known yet. The aim of this study was to describe the manipulative dexterity, strength, and manual eye coordination of patients with manifest and premanifest-HD compared to healthy individuals and to analyze its influence on ADLs and QoL. Methods: We performed an observational, cross-sectional study including 71 ambulatory participants (27 manifest-HD patients, 15 premanifest-HD, and 29 controls). We gathered sociodemographic data, as well as clinical data, including cognition (MMSE), HD motor severity (Unified HD rating scale, UHDRS-TMS), QoL (Neuro-QoL), and ADLs (HD-ADL). Hand dexterity and strength in the dominant and non-dominant hand were assessed with the Nine Hole Peg Test, Ten Neurotest, Nut and Bolt Test, dynamometry, and Late-Life FDI. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models were performed to investigate differences in hand function between manifest-HD, premanifest-HD, and controls. Results: Manifest-HD patients had significantly worse performance in manual and finger dexterity, fine-motor coordination, and poorer handgrip strength than premanifest-HD and controls. Premanifest-HD required more time to complete the test than controls. Significant correlations were found between hand variables and Late-Life FDI, Neuro-QoL, HD-ADL, and UHDRS-TMS. Conclusions: HD affects manipulative dexterity and hand function in premanifest and manifest patients. Therefore, to prevent disability and decreased QoL, evaluating the progression of upper limb dysfunction in HD is important to offer the best possible therapeutic interventions.