Effect of dual-task training on cognitive functions in persons with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: To summarize the effectiveness of cognitive-motor dual-task training (DTT) on cognitive functions in persons with MS (pwMS).

Methods: The systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Scopus databases in January 2022. The methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale. The pooled effect sizes (ES) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by random-effect models.

Results: A total of 186 participants (age ranges from 35 to 56.7) from six studies were analyzed. DTT improves executive function assessed by Frontal Assessment Battery [ES=1.32 (95% CI 0.76 to 1.87); p<0.001]. The non-significant beneficial effects on cognitive processing speed, sustained attention, and working memory were evaluated using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test [ES=0.30 (95% CI -0.06 to 0.66); p=0.102] and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test [ES=0.19 (95% CI -0.33 to 0.71); p=0.474] were also found.

Conclusion: PwMS may benefit from cognitive-motor DTT to improve cognitive functions. This benefit seems to be limited to executive functions for now, and larger sample randomized controlled trials are needed.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; cognition; cognitive-motor interference; dual-task; dual-task training; exercise.