Article

The goal of this study was to assess the effect that uncertainty induced by dual
task conditions has on reaction-response time parameters and gait patterns of
patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with a 2-6.5 EDSS grade. The study involved
eleven patients - nine women and two men - diagnosed with multiple sclerosis
(age, 48+/-10years; height, 1.65+/-0.1m; weight, 72+/-22kg) with capacity to walk
five meters without any aid or assistance. We employed an intra-group repeated
measures design. Each participant was asked to walk with and without task-related
uncertainty. Reaction-response and gait cycle times, as well as center of mass
(CM) dynamics were measured using three force plates synchronized with a video
camera through an electronic device that also controlled the system of
uncertainty. The results obtained reveal that uncertainty induced by dual tasking
is related to a reduction in the mean stride length and mean displacement and
horizontal velocity of the CM in patients with MS.
The values obtained for CM
parameters indicate that uncertainty affects balance, as compared to
no-uncertainty situations.
These results confirm the necessity of including
controlled dual-task-induced uncertainty in physical training programs for MS patients.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS