Dual-task exercise improves walking ability in chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effectiveness of a dual-task-based exercise program on walking ability in subjects with chronic stroke.


METHODS
Single-blind randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
General community.


METHODS
Twenty-five subjects with chronic stroke who were at least limited community ambulatory subjects (a minimum gait velocity, 58cm/s).


METHODS
Participants were randomized into a control group (n=12) or experimental group (n=13). Subjects in the control group did not receive any rehabilitation training. Subjects in the experimental group underwent a 4-week ball exercise program.


METHODS
Gait performance was measured under single task (preferred walking) and tray-carrying task. Gait parameters of interest were walking speed, cadence, stride time, stride length, and temporal symmetry index.


RESULTS
The experimental group showed significant improvement in all selected gait measures except for temporal symmetry index under both task conditions. In the control group, there were no significant changes over the 4-week period for all selected measures. There was a significant difference between groups for all selected gait variables except for temporal symmetry index under both task conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
The dual-task-based exercise program is feasible and beneficial for improving walking ability in subjects with chronic stroke.
Yang
Yea-Ru
YR
Faculty & Institute of Physical Therapy, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. yryang@ym.edu.tw
Wang
Ray-Yau
RY
Chen
Yu-Chung
YC
Kao
Mu-Jung
MJ
D002908:Chronic Disease; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010291:Paresis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016138:Walking