Effects of Task-Oriented Training on Gait Outcomes and Balance in Individuals with Stroke: A Systematic Review and
Myoung-Ho Lee1, Do-Youn Lee2,3
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Graduate School, Daegu University, Jillyang, Gyeongsan 38453, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: Task-oriented training (TOT) is a functional, goal-directed rehabilitation approach that promotes motor recovery after stroke through repetitive, task-specific practice; however, its overall effects on gait and balance in stroke survivors remain unclear. This systematic review- and meta-analysis-based study aims to evaluate the effects of TOT on gait and balance in patients with stroke. Methods: Comprehensive searches of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus were performed. Eligible studies involving TOT interventions in patients with stroke were included, and methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. A random-effects meta-analysis was then performed to estimate pooled effect sizes. Results: In total, 17 randomized controlled trials involving 888 participants were included. Compared with control interventions, TOT significantly improved gait speed (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27-0.69, p < 0.0001), gait endurance (SMD = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27-0.71, p < 0.0001), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.08-0.82, p = 0.02), and timed up and go test performance (SMD = -0.28, 95% CI: -0.47 to -0.09, p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis of the BBS revealed differences based on stroke phase. Conclusions: Task-oriented training effectively improves gait and balance in stroke survivors and should be considered a key component of post-stroke rehabilitation. Future studies should explore its long-term effects and determine optimal training parameters according to stroke phase and patient characteristics.
