Dual-task effects of talking while walking on velocity and balance following a stroke.
BACKGROUND
Therapists and nurses often use verbal instruction in the rehabilitation of mobility following stroke. This study aimed to determine whether performing a verbal cognitive task while walking adversely affected patients' balance and velocity.


METHODS
There were two counterbalanced conditions: walking only and walking and concurrent cognitive activity. The cognitive activity used was to give one of two verbal responses to two verbal stimuli. An electronic GaitMat measured gait velocity and balance (double support time as a percentage of stride time).


RESULTS
11 people with stroke participated in the study (five women and six men, mean age 72 years, SD 9). They were on average 120 (SD 48) days post-stroke. Velocity decreased (P=0.017) and double-support time as a percentage of stride time increased (P=0.010) when the cognitive activity was added to the test.


CONCLUSIONS
Performing a verbal cognitive task while walking adversely affected stroke patients' balance and gait velocity. Susceptibility to disruption varied within the patient group, suggesting clinical heterogeneity. Further research is required before changes to clinical practice are justified.
Bowen
A
A
Department of Human Communication and Deafness, Faculty of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. audrey.bowen@man.ac.uk
Wenman
R
R
Mickelborough
J
J
Foster
J
J
Hill
E
E
Tallis
R
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014705:Verbal Behavior; D016138:Walking