Mobility and Dual Tasking in the Everyday Lives of Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Exploration

in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly

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Michael VanNostrand Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA

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Katie Emberley Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA

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Erin Cairns Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA

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Kristina Shanahan Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA

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Susan L. Kasser Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2022-0161
Keywords:
fall risk; attention; multitasking; social implications
First Published Online:
18 Apr 2023
In Print:
Volume 40: Issue 4
Page Range:
723–738
Restricted access

Objective: The purpose of the study was to understand how people with multiple sclerosis experience dual-tasking situations in their everyday lives. Methods: Focus groups involving a total of 11 individuals with multiple sclerosis (eight females and three males) participated in this qualitative inquiry. Participants were asked open-ended questions focused on the nature of and consequences around dual tasking when standing or walking. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to examine the data. Results: Three themes were generated from the data: (a) Life Is a Dual Task, (b) The Social Divide, and (c) Sacrifices for Stability. Conclusions: This study highlights the significance and impact of dual tasking on the lived experience of adults with multiple sclerosis, furthering the need to more fully examine this phenomenon and potentially improve fall-prevention interventions and facilitate community participation.

Kasser (Susan.Kasser@med.uvm.edu) is corresponding author.

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