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[1,36] = 11.33, p = 0.002) and dual-Timed Up-and-Go (F[1,36] = 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.

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