Effect of auditory-motor and cognitive exercises on the spatial gait parameters of women with MS in Tehran

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 1. Master's student, Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Department of Motor Behavior, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran

4 1. PhD Student, Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

10.22037/sjrm.2025.117430.3350

Abstract

Background and Aims: Motor function and gait problems are common challenges faced by individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Non-pharmacological strategies are particularly important for improving the disabilities caused by MS. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of auditory-motor and cognitive exercises on spatio-temporal gait parameters in women with MS.

Materials and Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design. The statistical population included all women with MS in Tehran, and the statistical sample consisted of 30 women with MS aged 18 to 50 years who were purposefully selected based on inclusion criteria. After completing the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) questionnaire and Mini-Mental state Exmination (MMSE) participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Rhythmic Auditory stimulation (RAS) training and Cognitive Rehabilitation (CR) training. Each group participated in their specific exercises for eight weeks, with three 60-minute sessions per week. In the pre-test and post-test, gait kinematics were recorded to assess walking speed, Stride length, and cadence length.

Results: The results of repeated measures analysis of variance showed a significant difference in walking speed, Stride length, and cadence Length in the post-test in both the ARS training and CR training groups (p < 0.05). ARS training led to a greater improvement in increasing spatio - temporal gait parameters compared to CR training in women with MS.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that rhythmic auditory stimulation exercises can improve gait parameters. Overall, both rhythmic auditory stimulation and cognitive rehabilitation exercises are suggested for improving spatio-temporal gait parameters in patients with MS.

Keywords

Main Subjects



Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 23 April 2025
  • Receive Date: 05 April 2025
  • Revise Date: 13 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 23 April 2025
  • First Publish Date: 23 April 2025