Mapping the evidence on dual-task training in musculoskeletal injury rehabilitation: a systematic review

Dual-task training (DTT) integrates concurrent motor and/or cognitive tasks. This systematic review aimed to synthesize effects of DTT in adults with musculoskeletal injuries. Eight RCTs (n=224) met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed via Cochrane Risk-of-Bias-2 tool. Strong evidence indicates that DTT and single-task training (STT) provide comparable improvements in postural control and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Moderate evidence shows that DTT is equivalent to STT and superior to no intervention (NI) for improving postural control in individuals with ankle instability DTT's superior to STT for flexor strength and pain in elbow fractures, while remaining equivalent for range of motion, PROMs, and kinesiophobia. DTT equivalent to STT and superior to NI for jump-landing kinetics in chronic ankle instability (CAI). Limited evidence indicates DTT's superiority over NI for biomechanical improvements in knee ligament dominance defects and over STT for peroneus longus activation in CAI. Conflicting evidence persists regarding CAI proprioception.