Investigating precision in predictive coding during walking to music and metronomes in progressive multiple sclerosis and cerebellar disease. (R-11783)

Walking, is essential for daily activity, yet challenging to train in persons with progressive multiple sclerosis and cerebellar disease given the prevalence of symptoms of fatigability and ataxia in the diseases respectively. Walking requires not only motor, but also cognitive functions, such as attention. This poses an additional challenge to train walking in patients with progressive multiples sclerosis and cerebellar patients with cognitive impairment; which is prevalent in both diseases. In this project, we propose the use of walking tasks involving auditory-motor coupling, embedded in the theoretical framework of predictive coding. First, we aim to investigate the precision of patients with progressive MS and cerebellar disease to synchronise their steps to beats in music and metronomes compared to healthy controls. We also investigate how beats are perceived in the brain using electroencephalography during tapping to auditory tasks. Second, we aim to investigate predictive coding precision by measuring if participants adapt their synchronisation tendency to changing rhythms in music or metronomes. Third, we aim to investigate if providing music or beat adaptations depending on one's walking pattern would have positive effects on fatigability and gait dynamics in patients with progressive MS and cerebellar disease. Finally, we aim to model the walking data we collect to understand precision in viewpoints of predictive coding given the behaviour of our patient groups.

Keywords:Advanced Multiple Sclerosis, Brain disorders

Disciplines:Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation