Video game therapy on mobility and dual tasking in multiple sclerosis: study protocol for a randomised controlled...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Clinical Trials
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly impacts mobility and cognitive function, particularly dual-tasking abilities, affecting daily life.
• Current rehabilitation strategies require innovative approaches to address both motor and cognitive impairments in people with MS (PwMS).
• Video game therapy (VGT) has emerged as a potential tool to enhance motor outcomes and cognitive processing speed in rehabilitation settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of commercially available video game therapy (VGT) for improving mobility and dual-tasking performance in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS).
• To compare the effects of VGT against a standardized balance platform training (BPT) program in PwMS.
• To assess the impact of VGT on various functional, cognitive, and psychological outcomes in PwMS.

Main Methods:

• A parallel-assignment, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial involving 48 PwMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale 4-5.5).
• Participants received 12 training sessions over 4 weeks: either VGT or BPT.
• Outcome measures, including functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test), gait, fall risk, fatigue, quality of life, cognitive function, and postural stability, were assessed pre- and post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• The study is designed to compare the efficacy of VGT and BPT through rigorous data analysis.
• Primary outcome is functional mobility measured by the Timed Up and Go test.
• Secondary outcomes include gait, fall risk, fatigue, quality of life, cognitive performance, and posturographic stability, with dual-tasking assessed via combined methods.

Conclusions:

• The findings will elucidate the effectiveness of VGT as a rehabilitation tool for PwMS.
• Results will inform clinical practice regarding the integration of VGT for managing MS-related functional and cognitive deficits.
• The study aims to provide evidence for VGT's role in improving dual-tasking abilities and overall well-being in PwMS.