Article

Cognitive and balance dysfunction are common symptoms in individuals with
multiple sclerosis (MS). Although traditionally seen as separate impairments,
performing a concurrent cognitive task while maintaining an upright posture
results in individuals with MS increasing their postural sway (i.e. dual task
cost (DTC) of balance). However, the factors relating to this phenomenon are not
clear. This investigation examined the demographic, clinical and cognitive
correlates of DTC of balance in individuals with MS. Sixty-two persons with MS
completed both quiet standing and dual task balance trials on a force platform.
Additionally, they provided demographic information and performed clinical tests
of balance, spasticity, fall risk and cognitive processing speed. Dual task cost
was calculated as the percentage change in sway area from the baseline to dual
task force platform conditions. Overall, there were no significant correlations
between DTC of balance and any of the outcome measures in the entire sample. In
contrast, postural sway in the baseline and dual task condition were found to
correlate with disability, fall risk, balance performance, fatigue, cognitive
processing speed and age. Secondary analysis revealed different correlates of DTC
of balance in those with low versus high baseline sway. The results suggest that
the change in standing balance with the simultaneous performance of cognitive
task may only be informative in individuals with minimal balance dysfunction.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS