Learning Strategies for Improving Dual Task Performance in Multiple Sclerosis (StraDiMS)

This study is a randomized controlled study in which we aim to include 60 persons with Multiple Sclerosis and 30 healthy controls. Two different learning strategies, an explicit and an implicit one, will be compared on effects on dual task performance. Further, clinical profile associated with these effects, and brain activity measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy during dual tasking will be investigated. To this end, the study will cover 4 days: Day 1: examine clinical profile; Day 2: baseline dual task measures; Day 3: experimental learning paradigm with subjects randomly assigned to either the implicit or the explicit learning condition. Day 4: delayed retention dual task and fNIRS measures.

participants perform a goal-directed stepping task and try to react as fast as possible by stepping on a tile that lights up. Response time (the time between the tile lighting up and the participant stepping on the tile) is the outcome measure of the task. The implicit learning conditions and the explicit learning condition differ from each other in the instructions given prior to the task. The latter group will get more knowledge on the task than the former.

participants perform a goal-directed stepping task and try to react as fast as possible by stepping on a tile that lights up. Response time (the time between the tile lighting up and the participant stepping on the tile) is the outcome measure of the task. The implicit learning conditions and the explicit learning condition differ from each other in the instructions given prior to the task. The latter group will get more knowledge on the task than the former.

participants will step as fast as possible on a tile that lights up in a goal-directed stepping task on a platform consisting of 21 stepping tiles. Concurrently, they will perform a cognitive task in which they continuously subtract sevens, starting from a 3-digit given start number. Duration of the task depends on the speed of the participant (42 steps).

participants will step as fast as possible on a tile that lights up in a goal-directed stepping task on a platform consisting of 21 stepping tiles. Concurrently, they will perform a cognitive task in which they continuously subtract sevens, starting from a 3-digit given start number. Duration of the task depends on the speed of the participant (42 steps).

participants will step as fast as possible on a tile that lights up in a goal-directed stepping task on a platform consisting of 21 stepping tiles. Concurrently, they will perform a cognitive task in which they try to come up with as many words as possible starting with a given letter. Duration of the task depends on the speed of the participant (42 steps).

participants will step as fast as possible on a tile that lights up in a goal-directed stepping task on a platform consisting of 21 stepping tiles. Concurrently, they will perform a cognitive task in which they try to come up with as many words as possible starting with a given letter. Duration of the task depends on the speed of the participant (42 steps).

participants will step as fast as possible on a tile that lights up in a goal-directed stepping task on a platform consisting of 21 stepping tiles. Concurrently, they will perform a cognitive task in which they hear a string of letters (1 every 2.5 seconds) and are asked to respond as quickly as possible when they hear the target letter 'L' or 'R'. Duration of the task depends on the speed of the participant (42 steps).

participants will step as fast as possible on a tile that lights up in a goal-directed stepping task on a platform consisting of 21 stepping tiles. Concurrently, they will perform a cognitive task in which they hear a string of letters (1 every 2.5 seconds) and are asked to respond as quickly as possible when they hear the target letter 'L' or 'R'. Duration of the task depends on the speed of the participant (42 steps).

participants will walk on their comfortable, preferred walking speed on a 30-meter walkway. Concurrently, they will perform a cognitive task in which they continuously subtract sevens, starting from a 3-digit given start number. Duration of the task is 30 seconds.

participants will walk on their comfortable, preferred walking speed on a 30-meter walkway. Concurrently, they will perform a cognitive task in which they continuously subtract sevens, starting from a 3-digit given start number. Duration of the task is 30 seconds.

participants will walk on their comfortable, preferred walking speed on a 30-meter walkway. Concurrently, they will perform a cognitive task in which they try to come up with as many words as possible starting with a given letter. Duration of the task is 30 seconds.

participants will walk on their comfortable, preferred walking speed on a 30-meter walkway. Concurrently, they will perform a cognitive task in which they try to come up with as many words as possible starting with a given letter. Duration of the task is 30 seconds.

participants will walk on their comfortable, preferred walking speed on a 30-meter walkway. Concurrently, they will perform a cognitive task in which they hear a string of letters (1 every 2.5 seconds) and are asked to respond as quickly as possible when they hear the target letter 'L' or 'R'. Duration of the task is 30 seconds.

participants will walk on their comfortable, preferred walking speed on a 30-meter walkway. Concurrently, they will perform a cognitive task in which they hear a string of letters (1 every 2.5 seconds) and are asked to respond as quickly as possible when they hear the target letter 'L' or 'R'. Duration of the task is 30 seconds.

participants will step as fast as possible on a tile that lights up in a goal-directed stepping task on a platform consisting of 21 stepping tiles. The outcome measure on this task is response time (time from the moment the tile lights up, until the participant steps on the tile).

a block-design test with 3 tasks (cognitive ST, motor ST and DT) of 25 seconds per task-block (repeated 5 times) will be conducted with a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) neuroimaging system to measure hemoglobin changes during performance of the task and compared between single task and dual task conditions and between groups. Besides, fNIRS will be used during 1 task related to the learning-paradigm.

Inclusion Criteria: all participants: minimal cognitive function (MoCA ≥ 26) Persons with MS: Diagnosis of MS EDSS 2.0 - 5.5 No relapse within the past 30 days. Able to walk minimally 6 minutes consecutively and to step over the stepping platform without aid. Exclusion Criteria: Other medical conditions interfering with mobility. Other neurological conditions. Not able to understand instructions. Major (unresolvable) problems with hearing or vision.