Training with Non-dominant Limb: A Helpful Strategy for Motor Function and Dual-task Cost in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Background: The use of the inter-limb transfer mechanism in the rehabilitation of Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of non-dominant hand training on motor function and dual-task cost in MS patients. Methods: ۲۲ women with a mean age of ۴۴.۰۹ ± ۷.۲۶ years and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ۳.۸۳ ± ۰.۷۶ were randomly divided into control (n=۱۱) and experimental (n=۱۱) groups. The Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Box and Block Test (BBT), and Dual-Task Cost test (DTC) were taken as pre-tests for the participants. Post-test was taken ۲۴ hours after the last intervention session and the retention test one-week later. Results: The results showed that the motor function (NHPT and BBT) of the experimental group improved in both dominant and non-dominant hands (P≤۰.۰۵). However, a significant decrease was observed in both dominant and non-dominant hands in the control group for NHPT and BBT (P≤ ۰.۰۵). Also, the experimental group had a lower Dual-Task Cost than the control (P < ۰.۰۰۱) in the post-test. Conclusion: According to the results, inter-limb transfer mechanisms can be used in the rehabilitation of MS patients in both motor and cognitive dimensions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Functional mobility ، Manual dexterity ، Upper extremity ، Motor control