A multi-modal virtual reality treadmill intervention for enhancing mobility and cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Item Type:	Article
Title:	A multi-modal virtual reality treadmill intervention for enhancing mobility and cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Creators Name:	Hsieh, K.L. and Mirelman, A. and Shema-Shiratzky, S. and Galperin, I. and Regev, K. and Shen, S. and Schmitz-Hübsch, T. and Karni, A. and Paul, F. and Devos, H. and Sosnoff, J.J. and Hausdorff, J.M.
Abstract:	BACKGROUND: Gait and cognitive impairments are common in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and can interfere with everyday function. Those with MS have difficulties executing cognitive tasks and walking simultaneously, a reflection of dual-task interference. Therefore, dual-task training may improve functional ambulation. Additionally, using technology such as virtual reality can provide personalized rehabilitation while mimicking real-world environments. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to establish the benefits of a combined cognitive-motor virtual reality training on MS symptoms compared to conventional treadmill training. METHODS: This study will be a single-blinded, two arm RCT with a six-week intervention period. 144 people with MS will be randomized into a treadmill training alone group or treadmill training with virtual reality group. Both groups will receive 18 sessions of training while walking on a treadmill, with the virtual reality group receiving feedback from the virtual system. Primary outcome measures include dual-task gait speed and information processing speed, which will be measured prior to training, one-week post-training, and three months following training. DISCUSSION: This study will provide insight into the ability of a multi-modal cognitive-motor intervention to reduce dual-task cost and to enhance information processing speed in those with MS. This is one of the first studies that is powered to understand whether targeted dual-task training can improve MS symptoms and increase functional ambulation. We anticipate that those in the virtual reality group will have a significantly greater increase in dual-task gait speed and information processing speed than those achieved via treadmill training alone.
Keywords:	Dual-Task, Virtual Reality, Multiple Sclerosis
Source:	Contemporary Clinical Trials
ISSN:	1551-7144
Publisher:	Elsevier
Volume:	97
Page Range:	106122
Date:	October 2020
Official Publication:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cct.2020.106122
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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