Cognitive function influences cognitive-motor interference during dual task walking in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND

Both physical and cognitive impairments are common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Performing a cognitive task while walking (i.e., dual-task walking) can introduce cognitive-motor interference (CMI), resulting in changes in walking performance. The association between the levels of cognitive impairment and of CMI in MS remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between cognitive functioning and differences in walking performance arise between single- and dual-task walking.

METHODS

Ninety-five PwMS performed self-preferred pace walking and dual-task walking. The gait parameters recorded were used to compute dual task costs (DTC) as a metric of CMI. Cognitive functioning was assessed using Match, an unsupervised test developed based on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test. Participants were categorized as higher (HCF) and lower cognitive functioning (LCF) based on a Match z-score < -1.5.

RESULTS

LCF group had elevated DTC for stride velocity, relative to the HCF group. Higher DTC for stride velocity was associated with lower cognition, as assessed by Match test.

CONCLUSION

The findings support the hypothesis that CMI is associated with cognitive functioning in PwMS.