Review Article
Year: 2019 | Month: January | Volume: 9 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 287-295
Dual Task Training in Patients with Stroke for Improving Balance and Gait: A Systematic Review
Dr. Sana Rai1, Dr. Suvarna Ganvir2
1Post Graduate Student, 2HOD and Professor,
Department of Neurophysiotherapy, DVVPF’s College of Physiotherapy, Ahmednagar, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Sana Rai
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Walking while performing a cognitive task (i.e. dual-task) disturbs the control of balance and hence interfere with gait in stroke individuals. Dual Task training is said to improve the same. However, it is necessary to establish this fact through the in depth study of available literature.
Methodology: A literature search was performed with help of PubMed to select the studies related to dual task training on balance and gait. The inclusion criteria were prospective or retrospective cohort studies, studies that included only participants with stroke leading to hemiparesis and/or along with healthy participants as control group and studies that include dual task training on balance and gait. Two independent investigators assessed the studies based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies were thoroughly evaluated with respect to dual task training on balance and gait.
Results: With the help of given keywords, abstracts of 25 studies were retrieved. After initial screening 12 studies were selected for in depth analysis. Dual task training along with different treatment approaches was investigated and outcome measures like Berg Balance Scale, Gait Variables, Functional Reach Test, Time Up and Go Test and 10 Meters Walk Test was measured.
Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that dual task training was found to be effective in improving functional performance of the stroke patients.
Key words: dual task training, balance, gait and stroke.