Relationship Between Single- and Dual-Task Obstacle Crossing Performance and Fatigue and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis

Overview

This cross-sectional observational study aims to investigate the relationship between obstacle crossing performance under single-task and dual-task conditions and the levels of fatigue and disability in individuals with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). Walking performance will be assessed under standard walking and obstacle crossing conditions with and without a concurrent cognitive task. The study will examine how increased task complexity affects walking performance and its association with fatigue, disability, cognition, and functional mobility.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that frequently causes gait impairment, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and reduced functional mobility. Since daily activities often require simultaneous motor and cognitive performance, assessment under dual-task conditions provides clinically meaningful information beyond conventional gait evaluation. Obstacle crossing represents a more demanding walking task than level walking and may better reflect mobility challenges encountered in everyday life. Although dual-task walking has been investigated in individuals with MS, studies examining obstacle crossing performance under both single-task and dual-task conditions and its relationship with fatigue and disability remain limited. This cross-sectional observational study will include men and women aged 18 to 65 years with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis who are followed at the Neurology Outpatient Clinic of Kocaeli City Hospital. Participants will complete walking assessments under four conditions: single-task walking, dual-task walking, single-task obstacle crossing, and dual-task obstacle crossing. The dual-task condition will require participants to perform serial-3 subtraction while walking. Clinical assessments including fatigue, walking limitation, cognition, health-related quality of life, and fear of movement will also be collected. The study aims to determine the association between obstacle crossing performance and fatigue and disability levels in individuals with RRMS.

Conditions