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Association between cognition and gait in multiple sclerosis: A smartphone-based longitudinal analysis
Alzhraa A Ibrahim1, Werner Adler2, Heiko Gaßner3
1Machine Learning and Data Analytics Lab, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany; Computer Science Department, Faculty of Computers and Information, Assiut University, Egypt.
International Journal of Medical Informatics
|July 20, 2023
Summary
Cognition and gait impairments are linked in People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Smartphone data revealed that cognitive function (Symbol Digit Modalities Test) correlates with gait variability and turning speed, but not average walking speed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Digital Health
Background:
- Gait and cognitive impairments are prevalent in People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS).
- Existing research primarily focuses on cross-sectional associations between gait and cognition.
- Longitudinal associations in PwMS remain under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal relationship between gait and cognitive impairments in PwMS.
- To utilize smartphone-based data for exploring these associations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the Floodlight dataset, containing longitudinal smartphone data.
- Application of linear mixed models to assess relationships.
- Cognition measured by Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT).
- Gait assessed using 2 Minute Walking Test (2MW) step count and Five-U-Turn Test (FUTT) turning speed.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations found between SDMT scores and gait variability (2MW step count) and mean FUTT turning speed, after controlling for covariates.
- No significant association was observed between SDMT scores and mean 2MW step count.
- The study highlights the link between cognitive function and specific gait parameters.
Conclusions:
- The findings confirm an association between gait and cognition in PwMS.
- This supports the integration of interventions targeting both gait and cognitive deficits in clinical practice.
- Smartphone-based assessments offer a valuable tool for longitudinal monitoring.
