Balancing the Demands of Two Tasks: An Investigation of Cognitive–Motor Dual-Tasking in Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. (22nd September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Butchard-MacDonald, Emma; Paul, Lorna; Evans, Jonathan J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society. Volume 24:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 247
• Page End: 258
• Publication Date: 2017-09-22
• Subjects: Attention, -- Anxiety, -- Balance, -- Postural, -- Cognition, -- Falls; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1017/S1355617717000947
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6177

Abstract

Abstract: Background: People with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (PwRRMS) suffer disproportionate decrements in gait under dual-task conditions, when walking and a cognitive task are combined. There has been much less investigation of the impact of cognitive demands on balance.Objectives: This study investigated whether: (1) PwRRMS show disproportionate decrements in postural stability under dual-task conditions compared to healthy controls, and (2) dual-task decrements are associated with everyday dual-tasking difficulties. The impact of mood, fatigue, and disease severity on dual-tasking was also examined.Methods: A total of 34 PwRRMS and 34 matched controls completed cognitive (digit span) and balance (movement of center of pressure on Biosway on stable and unstable surfaces) tasks under single- and dual-task conditions. Everyday dual-tasking was measured using the Dual-Tasking Questionnaire. Mood was measured by the Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale. Fatigue was measured via the Modified Fatigue Index Scale.Results: No differences in age, gender, years of education, estimated pre-morbid IQ, or baseline digit span between groups. Compared with controls, PwRRMS showed significantly greater decrement in postural stability under dual-task conditions on an unstable surface ( p =.007), but not a stable surface ( p =.679). Balance decrement scores were not correlated with everyday dual-tasking difficulties or fatigue. Stable surface balance decrement scores were significantly associated with levels of anxiety (rho=0.527; p =.001) and depression (rho=0.451; p =.007).Conclusions: RRMS causes dual-tasking difficulties, impacting balance under challenging conditions, which may contribute to increased risk of gait difficulties and falls. The relationship between anxiety/depression and dual-task decrement suggests that emotional factors may be contributing to dual-task difficulties. ( JINS, 2018, 24, 247–258)