Dual-Task of Fine Motor skill and Problem-Solving in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis: A pilot study

Publication date: Available online 3 November 2017
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Y. Goverover, B.M. Sandroff, J. DeLuca
ObjectiveTo examine and compare dual-task performance in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls (HC) using mathematical problem-solving questions that included an everyday competence component while performing an upper extremity fine motor task. Additionally, it examined whether difficulties in dual-task performance are associated with problems in performing an everyday internet task.DesignPilot study, mixed-design with both a within and between subjects' factorParticipantsand Setting: Participants included 19 persons with MS and 19 HC who were recruited from a nonprofit rehabilitation research institution and from the community.InterventionsNot applicableOutcomesParticipant were presented with two testing conditions—solving mathematical everyday problems or placing bolts into divots (single-task condition) vs. solving problems while putting bolts into divots (dual-task condition). Additionally, participants were required to perform a test of everyday Internet competence.ResultsAs expected, dual-task performance was significantly worse than either of the single-task tasks (i.e., number of bolts into divots or correct answers, and time to answer the questions). Cognitive but not motor dual-task cost was associated with worse performance in activities of everyday internet task.ConclusionsCognitive dual-task cost is significantly associated with worse performance of everyday technology. This was not observed in the motor dual-task cost. The implications of dual-task costs on everyday activity are discussed.



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