Cognitive-Motor Interference in Multiple Sclerosis
Summary
Cognitive-motor interference in multiple sclerosis refers to the deterioration of motor or cognitive performance when individuals attempt to undertake both types of tasks simultaneously. As multiple sclerosis often affects neural pathways responsible for balance, coordination and higher-order cognition, the challenge of dual-tasking can reveal latent impairments that are not evident under single-task conditions. Typically measured as dual-task cost, this interference manifests in slower gait speed, shorter stride length, increased postural sway, reduced accuracy on cognitive tasks and greater fall risk. Beyond laboratory assessments, dual-task deficits have direct implications for everyday activities such as walking while conversing, navigating crowded environments or managing complex motor sequences. Recent advances have introduced wearable sensors, mobile applications and standardised dual-task protocols to quantify these deficits with greater sensitivity. Understanding cognitive-motor interference offers a window into the dynamic interplay between motor control and executive function in people with multiple sclerosis, informing targeted rehabilitation strategies and risk mitigation measures.
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Cognitive-Motor Interference in Multiple Sclerosis publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in cognitive-motor interference in multiple sclerosis across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Dual-task cost: Percentage change in motor or cognitive performance when two tasks are performed concurrently compared with single-task performance.
Cognitive-motor interference: Decline in motor or cognitive function arising from simultaneous engagement in cognitive and motor tasks.
Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS): A method of quantifying disability in multiple sclerosis based on neurological examination.
Wearable sensors: Portable devices worn on the body to record biomechanical or physiological data during movement.
Auditory-Stroop test: A cognitive task assessing selective attention and processing speed by requiring responses to conflicting auditory colour–word stimuli.
References
- Evaluating Cognitive-Motor Interference in Multiple Sclerosis: A Technology-Based Approach. Bioengineering (2024).
- Design, Development, and Testing of an App for Dual-Task Assessment and Training Regarding Cognitive-Motor Interference (CMI-APP) in People With Multiple Sclerosis: Multicenter Pilot Study. JMIR mHealth and uHealth (2020).
- Cognitive‐Motor Interference in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review of Evidence, Correlates, and Consequences. BioMed Research International (2015).
- Cognitive-motor interference in people with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis, in comparison with healthy controls. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders (2022).
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