Brain pathways light up during a walk, symbolizing improved mobility in multiple sclerosis rehabilitation.

Walking Woes? How Brain Connectivity Could Be the Key to Easing Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research explores the link between brain function and walking difficulties in MS patients, offering hope for targeted treatments."

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) brings a host of challenges, and among the most frustrating are declines in walking ability and cognitive function. It's a tough combination, with many individuals finding that everyday tasks become significantly harder. Divided attention, that mental juggling act we all perform, becomes especially tricky, and research is increasingly linking these motor-cognitive challenges to falls.

Imagine trying to walk while simultaneously holding a conversation – a common scenario that can become a major obstacle for those with MS. Understanding the neural networks at play during these dual-task situations is crucial. It's about finding ways to support and improve the brain's ability to manage multiple demands, potentially reducing the risk of falls and enhancing overall quality of life.

Past studies have shown the benefits of dual-task practice in rehabilitation, yet until recently, we haven't fully understood the specific brain areas involved. Now, cutting-edge research is shedding light on the supplementary motor area (SMA) and its role in dual-task performance. These findings could revolutionize how we approach rehabilitation, leading to more effective and tailored interventions.

Decoding the Connection: SMA and Walking Variability

Brain pathways light up during a walk, symbolizing improved mobility in multiple sclerosis rehabilitation.

A recent study published in the Journal of the Neurological Sciences has uncovered a fascinating connection between the supplementary motor area (SMA) in the brain and dual-task walking variability in people with MS. Researchers at Wayne State University and The Ohio State University investigated how the structural integrity of the SMA relates to walking performance while doing another task simultaneously.

The study involved eighteen women with relapsing-remitting MS who underwent detailed assessments of their walking ability, fall history, and brain structure using 3T MRI scans. The focus was on understanding how the SMA's interhemispheric connectivity – the communication between the left and right sides of the SMA – influences dual-task performance.

Participants: 18 females with relapsing-remitting MS.
Assessments: Dual-task performance, fall history, and 3T MRI scans.
Key Finding: Structural imaging measures of SMA interhemispheric connectivity were significantly related to dual-task walking variability.

The results indicated that the structural integrity of the SMA plays a significant role in dual-task performance. Specifically, the study found that measures of SMA interhemispheric connectivity were significantly related to dual-task walking variability. This suggests that the SMA's ability to efficiently communicate between hemispheres is crucial for managing complex tasks like walking while talking.

New Horizons in MS Rehabilitation

These findings open new avenues for rehabilitation strategies. By understanding the SMA's role, therapists can develop targeted interventions to improve dual-task performance. Structural neuroimaging could become a valuable tool for predicting performance and tailoring rehabilitation programs, ultimately enhancing the mobility and independence of people with MS. This is an exciting step toward more personalized and effective care.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.11.015, Alternate LINK

Title: Supplementary Motor Area Connectivity And Dual-Task Walking Variability In Multiple Sclerosis

Subject: Neurology (clinical)

Journal: Journal of the Neurological Sciences

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Nora E. Fritz, Anne D. Kloos, Deborah A. Kegelmeyer, Parminder Kaur, Deborah S. Nichols-Larsen

Published: 2019-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why do people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) often experience difficulty walking while performing another task, such as talking?

Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis may struggle with walking while performing another task due to the demands it places on divided attention. Research indicates that the neural networks involved in managing dual-task situations can be impaired, making it difficult for the brain to handle multiple demands simultaneously. This can increase walking variability and the risk of falls. The supplementary motor area (SMA) plays a crucial role in coordinating these tasks, and reduced connectivity within the SMA can contribute to these difficulties.

What specific area of the brain is being researched concerning walking difficulties in people with MS, and what role does it play?

The supplementary motor area (SMA) is a key area of focus in research concerning walking difficulties in people with MS. The SMA, located in the frontal lobe, is involved in the planning, initiation, and coordination of complex movements, including walking. It plays a crucial role in dual-task performance, such as walking while talking. The structural integrity and interhemispheric connectivity of the SMA are essential for efficiently managing these complex tasks.

How might new rehabilitation strategies for MS patients improve walking and mobility, based on the recent findings about the brain?

New rehabilitation strategies can leverage the understanding of the supplementary motor area (SMA)'s role in dual-task performance to create targeted interventions. Therapists can develop exercises and techniques that specifically improve the SMA's interhemispheric connectivity and efficiency. Additionally, structural neuroimaging can be used to assess the SMA's integrity, predict a patient's dual-task performance, and tailor rehabilitation programs to their specific needs, ultimately enhancing mobility and independence. Missing from this research scope is how the SMA works together with other brain areas.

What is 'dual-task walking variability,' and why is it significant for people with Multiple Sclerosis?

"Dual-task walking variability" refers to the changes or inconsistencies in a person's walking pattern when they are performing another task simultaneously, such as talking or performing a cognitive exercise. This is significant for people with Multiple Sclerosis because increased variability can indicate impaired motor control and cognitive function. It is related to reduced structural integrity of the supplementary motor area (SMA). Higher dual-task walking variability is associated with an increased risk of falls and a reduced ability to perform everyday tasks safely and efficiently, negatively impacting their quality of life. This measure serves as an indicator of the brain's capacity to manage multiple demands.

How did the researchers assess the connection between the brain and walking ability in women with relapsing-remitting MS, and what were the key components of their study?

Researchers at Wayne State University and The Ohio State University assessed the connection between the brain and walking ability using 3T MRI scans to examine the structural integrity of the supplementary motor area (SMA) in eighteen women with relapsing-remitting MS. The key components of the study included detailed assessments of dual-task performance (walking while performing another task), fall history, and measures of SMA interhemispheric connectivity. The study focused on understanding how the SMA's ability to communicate between the left and right hemispheres influences dual-task walking variability. The missing factor from this study is the differences found in men versus women with MS.