E ISSN 2791-7851
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Volume: 3 Issue: 2 Year: 2023
The Modal
Relationship Between Dual-task Walking and Cognitive Functions in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis [J Mult Scler Res]
J Mult Scler Res. 2022; 2(3): 57-61 | DOI: 10.4274/jmsr.galenos.2022.2022-7-3

Relationship Between Dual-task Walking and Cognitive Functions in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

Zuhal Abasiyanik1, Pinar Yigit2, Hilal Karakas3, Sinem Ozcelik4
1Dokuz Eylul University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey and Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Izmir, Turkey
2Dokuz Eylul University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
3Izmir Katip Celebi University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Izmir, Turkey
4Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Izmir, Turkey

INTRODUCTION: Dual-task performance assessment is a holistic approach that incorporates both motor and cognitive assessment. However, there is scarce data on the relationship between dual-task walking and cognitive functions in persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The aim was to investigate the relationship between dual-task walking and cognitive functions in pwMS.
METHODS: This study analyzed 156 patients (median age 35 years, 73.1% female). Timed Up and Go tests (TUG), with and without cognitive task (TUG), were performed to assess dual-task performance. Dual-task cost (DTC) was calculated. Cognitive information processing speed, visuospatial memory, and verbal memory were assessed using a Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS).
RESULTS: The DTC was 11.8%. The TUG-cog tests were moderately correlated with all subtests of BICAMS (r=-0.322 to -0.440). However, DTC has a significant but small correlation with cognitive tests (r=0.227-0.254). Disability level was the significant predictor of dual-task performance.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that higher dual-task performance is significantly associated with better cognitive processing speed, visuospatial memory, and verbal memory in pwMS. This result may facilitate the use of dual-tasking paradigms in studies on cognitive impairment screening methods. However, such research undertakings should be supported by longitudinal studies.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, cognition, dual-task, cognitive-motor interference, walking

Zuhal Abasiyanik, Pinar Yigit, Hilal Karakas, Sinem Ozcelik. Relationship Between Dual-task Walking and Cognitive Functions in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis. J Mult Scler Res. 2022; 2(3): 57-61

Corresponding Author: Zuhal Abasiyanik, Türkiye
Manuscript Language: English
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