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01-12-2017 | Translational Neurosciences - Original Article

Cognition is associated with gait variability in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Authors: Katherine L. Hsieh, Ruopeng Sun, Jacob J. Sosnoff

Published in: Journal of Neural Transmission | Issue 12/2017

Abstract

Fluctuations in gait, or gait variability, are closely related to cognitive function in various clinical populations. However, there are limited data on this relationship in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This investigation determined whether cognitive function as measured by processing speed is associated with gait variability in individuals with MS. This secondary analysis included 191 individuals with MS who underwent gait assessment and cognitive assessment. Cognitive processing speed was index by symbol digit modalities test (SDMT). Gait variability was indexed by step length and step time coefficient of variation (CV). Hierarchical linear regressions were performed to examine whether SDMT scores would predict step length and step time CV. After adjusting for age, gender, and disability, we found that SDMT was a significant predictor of step time CV (p < 0.001) and step length CV (p = 0.03). Overall, slower cognitive processing speed was significantly associated with greater gait variability. It is speculated that neural damage in MS patients impairs both cognitive processing speed and gait control. This study provides further evidence that motor and cognitive functions are interrelated.

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Title: Cognition is associated with gait variability in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Katherine L. Hsieh
Ruopeng Sun
Jacob J. Sosnoff
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Journal of Neural Transmission / Issue 12/2017
Print ISSN: 0300-9564
Electronic ISSN: 1435-1463
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-017-1801-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Cognition is associated with gait variability in individuals with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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