Effect of Dual-task Rehabilitative Training on Cognitive and Motor Function of Stroke Patients

J Phys Ther Sci. 2014 Jan;26(1):1-6. doi: 10.1589/jpts.26.1. Epub 2014 Feb 6.

Abstract

[Purpose] To determine the effect of dual-task training with cognitive tasks on cognitive and walking ability after stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty patients diagnosed with stroke participated in this study. All participants were receiving a traditional rehabilitation program 5 days a week. Dual-task and single-task training were additionally performed for 4 weeks, 3 days a week. The Stroop test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), and Figure-of-8 Walk Test (F8WT) were used to measure cognitive and walking abilities and were evaluated 3 times (before and after training and at the 2-week follow-up). [Results] Dual-task training improved cognitive and walking abilities, and dual-task training subjects' performance was better than single-task training subjects' performance. In addition, these training benefits were maintained for 2 weeks. [Conclusion] Dual-task training improves cognitive and walking abilities of patients with stroke.

Keywords: Cognitive; Dual task; Gait.