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Cognitive-motor interference in multiple sclerosis: What happens when the gait speed is fixed?
Ofir Malcay1, Yevgenia Grinberg1, Shani Berkowitz2
1Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
Gait & Posture
|July 2, 2017
Summary
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) altered their walking patterns during dual-task walking, but cognitive performance remained stable. Gait variability in MS was significantly higher than in healthy individuals, unaffected by dual-tasking.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Walking performance and cognitive function are coupled in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
- Understanding the dual-task (DT) phenomenon in PwMS is crucial for rehabilitation.
- Previous research indicates a relationship between gait and cognition in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dual-task (DT) phenomenon in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
- To analyze gait and cognitive performance under single-task (ST) and DT conditions.
- To provide novel insights into the DT effect on gait parameters and cognitive tests in PwMS.
Main Methods:
- Thirty PwMS and 21 healthy controls participated.
- Participants underwent instrumented treadmill walking at controlled speeds.
- Tests included single-task (ST) walking, seated cognitive tests, and DT walking with cognitive tasks (Word List Generation, Serial-3 Subtraction).
- Gait parameters (cadence, stride length, variability) and cognitive test scores were measured.
Main Results:
- MS participants reduced cadence and increased stride length during DT walking compared to ST walking.
- No significant differences in cognitive test performance were found between ST and DT conditions for either group.
- MS subjects exhibited 2-3 times greater gait variability than controls, with no significant change between ST and DT conditions.
Conclusions:
- Multiple sclerosis impacts gait control, evidenced by increased variability.
- The dual-task effect on gait parameters in PwMS is characterized by compensatory kinematic adjustments rather than cognitive decline.
- Cognitive function remained robust under dual-task conditions in PwMS, suggesting preserved attentional resources for basic walking.
