The effects of cognitive-motor dual task training compared to single motor training in Multiple Sclerosis: a multicentre randomized clinical trial

Abstract

The study was multicentred, single-blind, randomized clinical control trial examining the effect of 8-weeks of dual task training (DTT) compared to single mobility training (SMT). Subjects in DTT group underwent DT training while SMT group performed gait and balance exercises. All participants performed three motor, three cognitive and nine cognitive-motor DT before training, after intervention and after follow up. To test hypothesis a linear mixed model was used. Primary outcomes were CMI, measured by dual task cost (DTC) and absolute single- and dual task performances. Secondary outcomes were functional mobility, cognition, self-reported fatigue, quality of life and DT in daily life. Results revealed a superior effect of DTT compared to SMT to reduce DTC of walking velocity while performing cognitive tasks. Moreover, DT gait velocity during walking over obstacles with cognitive tasks improved only after DTT. After both interventions, secondary measures of functional mobility and cognitive function improved significantly. No significant changes occurred in self-reported quality of life, fatigue and difficulty of dual tasking in daily life. The promising results of DTT can inspire therapist to include DTT in the rehabilitation program of pwMS who suffer from dual task difficulties to improve and maintain motor and cognitive single and dual task performances and to decrease motor DTC.