Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether change in cognitive performance during dual task
condition compared with a task in isolation, known as dual task cost, is related
to fall risk of patients with multiple sclerosis.
DESIGN: Prospective cohort.
During baseline assessment, data about balance, walking and cognitive performance
of patients with multiple sclerosis were collected under a single and dual task
condition. The dual task cost was calculated as a percentage of change in
parameters from single to dual task conditions. Falls were recorded prospectively
for six months and participants were classified as none/one time fallers and
recurrent fallers (2 falls).
The association between dual task costs and fall
status was evaluated by logistic regression. SETTING: Balance research lab of
university hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 60 patients with
relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. INTERVENTIONS:
Not applicable. MAIN
OUTCOME MEASURES: The dual task cost of the center of pressure sway area, walking
velocity and correct response rate were outcome measures for balance, walking and
cognitive performance, respectively. RESULTS:
A total of 79 falls were reported
by 38 of the participants who experienced one or more falls; 26 (43.3%) of them
had recurrent falls. Dual tasking resulted in increased sway area and decreased
walking velocity and correct response rate during walking (all p values <0.05).
Logistic regressions showed that the dual task cost of the correct response rate
during walking and walking velocity were associated with increased risk of
recurrent falls ( P = 0.02, odds ratio = 1.34; confidence interval (CI)
1.04-3.74; P = 0.05,
odds ratio = 1.23, CI = 1.02-4.45, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: The dual task cost of cognition was related to fall, which should be
considered as a target for falls evaluation and prevention strategies.

Langue : ANGLAIS