title: Effects of dual-task balance training on postural performance in patients with Multiple Sclerosis: a double-blind, randomized controlled pilot trial.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Double-blind, pretest-posttest, randomized controlled pilot trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Local Multiple Sclerosis Society.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 47 patients were randomly assigned to two equal groups labeled as single-task training and dual-task training groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: 1 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Saeideh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Monjezi
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Physical Therapy, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Hossein
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Negahban
authors.affiliation: 3 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Shirin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tajali
authors.affiliation: 3 Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Nava
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yadollahpour
authors.affiliation: 4 Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Nastaran
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Majdinasab
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Dual-task; balance; multiple sclerosis; outcome; training