Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of dual-task balance training on postural
performance in patients with multiple sclerosis as compared with single-task
balance training. DESIGN: Double-blind, pretest-posttest, randomized controlled
pilot trial. SETTING: Local Multiple Sclerosis Society. SUBJECTS: A total of 47
patients were randomly assigned to two equal groups labeled as single-task
training and dual-task training groups. INTERVENTIONS:
All patients received
supervised balance training sessions, 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The patients
in the single-task group performed balance activities, alone. However, patients
in dual-task group practiced balance activities while simultaneously performing
cognitive tasks. MAIN MEASURES: The 10-Meter Walk Test and Timed Up-and-Go under
single-task and dual-task conditions, in addition to Activities-specific Balance
Confidence, Berg Balance Scale, and Functional Gait Assessment were assessed
pre-, and post intervention and also 6-weeks after the end of intervention.
RESULTS: Only 38 patients completed the treatment plan. There was no difference
in the amount of improvement seen between the two study groups. In both groups
there was a significant effect of time for dual-10 Meter Walk Test (F1, 36=11.33,
p=0.002) and dual-Timed Up-and-Go (F1, 36=14.27, p=0.001) but not for their
single-tasks. Moreover, there was a significant effect of time for
Activities-specific Balance Confidence, Berg Balance Scale, and Functional Gait
Assessment ( P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study did not show more benefits
from undertaking dual-task training than single-task training. A power analysis
showed 71 patients per group would be needed to determine whether there was a
clinically relevant difference for dual-task gait speed between the groups.

Langue : ANGLAIS