Dual Task Cost in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review

Wetzel, Anna Jordan

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/46455 Copy

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Title

Dual Task Cost in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review

Author(s)

Wetzel, Anna Jordan

Contributor(s)

Sosnoff, Jacob

Issue Date

2012-05-08

Keyword(s)

Dual Task Cost and MS

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases in young adults (Calabrese, 2006). Approximately 50% of individual’s diagnosed with this disease experience and report cognitive difficulties. Attention is reported as impaired in 22-25% of MS patients (Hamilton, 2009). Despite the commonality of attentional problems, memory impairment is considered the most frequent problem in cognition in this disease (Calabrese, 2006). Balance and coordination skills are also damaged, making walking and standing difficulties widespread in the MS population. These deficits are explained by hindered postural control inhibiting the success of mobility. Due to the interaction between cognitive and motor components, there may be a dual task cost associated with MS. It is based on the proposal that cognitive resources in persons with MS are remarkably limited, and consequently easily disrupted leading to the impaired completion of a simultaneous task (Nascimbeni, 2010). This effect is most apparent when attentional resources are decreased due to the disease, as well as if there is a notably larger amount of attention needed for a task previously considered normal because of degeneration in the motor-sensory system (Nascimbeni, 2010). A limited amount of research has been conducted on dual tasking and its effect on postural control and gait in MS. Consequently, the functional outcomes of dual task cost are still unknown. However, the general assumption is that it is related to falls. A quazi-systematic review will be conducted to substantiate this proposed relationship in attempt to help prevent falls in those with MS.

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