Cognitive motor interference during walking in multiple sclerosis using an alternate-letter alphabet task

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Science
• Clinical Neurology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently causes both cognitive and walking impairments.
• Cognitive motor interference (CMI) describes the detrimental effect of cognitive tasks on motor performance.
• Understanding CMI during walking is crucial for managing mobility in MS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a standardized alphabet dual-task (DT) paradigm for assessing CMI during walking in individuals with MS.
• To determine if CMI during walking in MS is influenced by clinical or demographic factors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 61 individuals with MS.
• Gait parameters were measured during single-task (ST) walking and during a DT of walking while reciting alternate alphabet letters.
• Dual-task cost (DTC) was calculated as the percentage change in gait parameters between ST and DT conditions to quantify CMI.

Main Results:

• The alphabet DT paradigm revealed significant CMI during walking, evidenced by slower velocity, reduced cadence, shorter step length, increased step time, and prolonged double-support time.
• No significant correlations were found between the DTC of walking and clinical factors (disability, disease duration) or demographic factors (education, age).

Conclusions:

• The alphabet DT paradigm is a simple, refined, and acceptable method for assessing CMI during walking in people with MS.
• This paradigm can effectively identify gait impairments related to CMI in MS, irrespective of disease status or severity.