title: The use of the dual-task paradigm in detecting gait performance deficits following a sports-related concussion: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the viability of the dual-task paradigm in the evaluation of a sports-related concussion.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic review and meta-analysis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight electronic databases were searched from their inception until the 11(th) of April 2011. Studies were grouped according to their reported gait performance variables and their time(s) of assessment(s). Raw mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated based on raw means and standard deviations for gait performance measures in both single- and dual-task conditions. Dual-task deficits were pooled using a random effects model and heterogeneity (I(2)) between studies was assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten studies representing a total sample of 168 concussed and 167 matched (age and gender) non-concussed participants met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis demonstrated that dual-task performance deficits were detected (p<0.05) in the concussed group for gait velocity (GV) (MD=-0.133; 95% CI -0.197, -0.069) and range of motion of the centre of mass in the coronal plane (ML-ROM) (MD=0.007; 95% CI 0.002, 0.011), but not in the non-concussed group; GV (MD=-0.048; 95% CI -0.101, 0.006), ML-ROM (MD=0.002; 95% CI -0.001, 0.005).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study indicate that GV and ML-ROM are sensitive measures of dual-task related changes in concussed patients and should be considered as part of a comprehensive assessment for a sports-related concussion.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Physiotherapy Research, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Hopin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: S John
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.forename: Anthony G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Schneiders
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D001288:Attention; D001924:Brain Concussion / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005684:Gait; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008606:Mental Processes; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis