Effect of a dual-task program with different cognitive tasks applied to stroke patients: A pilot randomized...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Clinical Neurology

Background:

• Dual-task training, combining walking with cognitive tasks, is recognized for its efficacy in improving motor functions post-stroke.
• Stroke rehabilitation often focuses on motor recovery, but cognitive impairments significantly impact functional outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of dual-task training with diverse cognitive tasks in stroke patients.
• To assess impacts on attention, executive function, and motor function in stroke survivors.

Main Methods:

• A single-center randomized trial with 30 stroke patients divided into dual-task (n=15) and conventional occupational therapy (n=15) groups.
• Interventions: 18 sessions over 6 weeks (3 sessions/week, 30 min/session).
• Outcome measures included Trail Making Test, Digit Span Test (DST), Stroop (ST) test, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Modified Functional Reach Test, and Berg Balance Scale, assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The dual-task group demonstrated significant improvements in DST-Forward (p=0.04), DST-Backward (p=0.001), ST-Color (p=0.023), and Berg Balance Scale (p=0.009) compared to the control group.
• These findings indicate superior effects of dual-task training on specific cognitive and balance measures.

Conclusions:

• Dual-task training incorporating varied cognitive tasks yielded greater benefits than conventional occupational therapy for stroke patients.
• The training positively impacted auditory attention, memory span, executive functions, and balance in the stroke cohort.