Effects of dual-task balance training on postural performance in patients with Multiple Sclerosis: a double-blind, randomized controlled pilot trial.

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 (F=11.33, p=0.002) and dual-Timed Up-and-Go (F=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.