Effect of Motor Entrainment to Auditory Cues and Music During Walking on Quality of Movement and Perceived Fatigue in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS)

Effect of Motor Entrainment to Auditory Cues and Music During Walking on Quality of Movement and Perceived Fatigue in Persons With Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS)

The study investigates the effect of different conditions of auditory cueing and music on walking quality and perceived fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis compared to healthy controls. The study extends over a four session period, each session lasting maximally 1h30 minutes The experimental conditions include participants walking to music and metronome (at different tempi) for 3minutes and 15 seconds per condition, with a rest period of 3 minutes in between each condition. Non-invasive equipment will be used. participants are equipped with sensors (watch-like straps at the wrists, ankles and across the chest) and are given wireless headphones.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of MS of >1 year,
• no relapse in the last 1 month,
• ability to walk for 12 minutes without interruption,
• an average usual walking speed between the range of 0.4 and 1.2 m/s.

Exclusion Criteria:

• cognitive impairment hindering the understanding and execution of the experimental procedures
• pregnancy
• hearing impairment
• amusia
• beat deafness