Enhancing Gait and Stability in Multiple Sclerosis through Dual-Task Training

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sports Sciences, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sports Sciences, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Health, University of Tehran. Tehran. Iran.

Abstract

Objective: Motor dysfunction—particularly balance and gait impairments—is a common limitation in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), significantly reducing their quality of life. Dual-task (DT) training, which combines cognitive and motor challenges, has emerged as a promising rehabilitation strategy. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of DT training on improving motor function in MS patients.
Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, we examined the impact of an eight-week DT training program on balance and gait in female MS patients. Thirty participants (aged 30–72, including 10 elderly individuals) from the Tehran MS Association were voluntarily enrolled and assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test before and after the intervention, with informed consent obtained. Participants were randomly assigned to either the control or experimental group. After an initial pre-test, the experimental group underwent DT training for eight weeks, consisting of two weekly sessions (45–60 minutes each). A post-test was then administered. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.
Results: Variance analysis revealed that DT training led to significant improvements in motor function (p = 0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Notably, the experimental group demonstrated substantial enhancements in balance and gait (p < 0.001), suggesting that DT training could be an effective intervention in MS rehabilitation.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that an eight-week DT training program incorporating cognitive-motor tasks can effectively enhance motor function in MS patients, supporting its integration into rehabilitation protocols.

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 June 2025
  • Revise Date: 26 August 2025
  • Accept Date: 28 November 2025
  • Publish Date: 21 March 2026

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