Cognitive-Motor Coupling in Multiple Sclerosis: Do Chronological Age and Physical Activity Matter?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Clinical Neurology

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently causes cognitive and physical impairments.
• Cognitive-motor coupling, the relationship between cognitive and motor functions, is documented in MS.
• Limited research exists on this coupling when controlling for age and physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cognitive-motor coupling in individuals with MS.
• To determine if this coupling is influenced by chronological age and physical activity levels.

Main Methods:

• 290 individuals with MS (ages 22-77) participated.
• Cognitive function assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) and California Verbal Learning and Memory Test-Second Edition (CVLT-II).
• Motor function evaluated via the 6-Minute Walk Test and Timed 25-Foot Walk Test.
• Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) measured using accelerometers over 7 days.

Main Results:

• Bivariate correlations showed moderate-to-strong associations between cognitive and motor functions (r range: 0.433-0.459).
• Linear regression confirmed cognitive-motor coupling for SDMT (β range: 0.139-0.145) and CVLT-II (β range: 0.125-0.135) after controlling for covariates.
• This coupling remained significant even after accounting for age and MVPA (SDMT: β=0.119; CVLT-II: β range: 0.115-0.124).

Conclusions:

• Cognitive-motor coupling is a robust finding in people with MS.
• This relationship is independent of chronological age and physical activity levels.
• Further research is needed to understand mechanisms and develop management strategies for MS-related dysfunctions.