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

Abstract

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.