Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility of dual task training in persons with
Multiple Sclerosis. DESIGN: Randomized, single-blinded controlled trial. SETTING:
University research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 234 individuals inquired
about the investigation. After screening, 20 individuals with multiple sclerosis
who self-reported problems with multitasking and were ambulatory volunteered for
the investigation. 14 participants completed the post-assessment following the
12-week intervention. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to either
single task training program which focused on balance and walking function ( n=6)
or dual task training program that incorporated cognitive tasks in balance and
walking training ( n=8). MEASURES: Before and after the 12-week interventions
participants underwent assessments of walking; dual task walking; balance (Berg
Balance Scale and balance confidence) and cognition as indexed by the Brief
International Cognitive Assessment for MS. RESULTS: There was an 8.5% recruitment
rate, a 70% retention rate, and a 100% adherence rate. There was a trend for dual
task gait speed to improve in the dual task training group following the
intervention (Pre: task 1: 109.8+/-39, task 2: 104.2+/-34.1; Post: task
1:127.6+/-40.1, task 2: 122.8+/-37.4; P=0.14; eta2 = 0.24). There was also a
trend for the dual task training group (28.1) to have greater performance than
the control group (24.7) on visuospatial memory ( P=0.10; eta2= 0.23). There were
no changes in cognitive performance during walking trials. CONCLUSIONS: The study
procedures were found to be feasible and improvements should be made in
recruitment efforts going forward. Further examination of dual task training
programs in individuals with multiple sclerosis is warranted.

Langue : ANGLAIS