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Dual Task Training Interventions and Mobility-Based Outcomes in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Scoping Review.
Meaghan Rubsam1,2,3, Gay L Girolami1,2, Tanvi Bhatt1,2
1Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA.
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics
|March 25, 2025
Summary
Dual task training (DTT) shows promise for improving motor skills in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Further research is needed to optimize DTT for better outcomes in children with CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neurology
- Motor Control
Background:
- Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often experience difficulties performing tasks simultaneously.
- Dual task training (DTT) is known to improve motor performance in typically developing individuals and those with neurological conditions.
- The efficacy of DTT specifically for children with CP is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify, describe, and synthesize existing evidence on DTT interventions for children with CP.
- To evaluate the effects of DTT on mobility, activity, and participation outcomes in children with CP.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review was conducted using five electronic databases.
- Included studies were in English, focused on children with CP, and utilized motor-motor or motor-cognitive DTT.
- Studies had to detail the intervention and report outcomes.
Main Results:
- Six studies involving 117 children with CP were included.
- Interventions included motor-motor (2 studies) and motor-cognitive (4 studies) DTT paradigms.
- All studies reported improvements in primary motor task performance.
Conclusions:
- Preliminary evidence suggests DTT may enhance primary motor task performance in children with CP.
- Study heterogeneity necessitates further rigorous research.
- Optimal exercise prescription, training regimens, and dosing for DTT in CP require further investigation.
