title: The effect of various dual task training methods with gait on the balance and gait of patients with chronic stroke.
abstract: [Purpose] This study examined the effects of various dual task gait training methods (motor dual task gait training, cognitive dual task gait training, and motor and cognitive dual task gait training) on the balance and gait abilities of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-three outpatients performed dual task gait training for 30 minutes per day, three times a week, for eight weeks from June to August, 2012. Balance ability was measured pre-and posttest using the stability test index, the weight distribution index, the functional reach test, the timed up and go test, and the four square step test. Gait ability was measured by the 10 m walk test and a 6 min walk test before and after the training. The paired t-test was used to compare measurements before and after training within each group, and ANOVA was used to compare measurements before and after training among the groups. [Results] Comparisons within each group indicated significant differences in all variables between before and after the training in all three groups. Comparison between the groups showed that the greatest improvements were seen in all tests, except for the timed up and go test, following motor and cognitive dual task gait training. [Conclusion] In a real walking environment, the motor and cognitive dual task gait training was more effective at improving the balance and gait abilities of chronic stroke patients than either the motor dual task gait training or the cognitive dual task gait training alone.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Dongnam Health College, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ho-Jung
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: An
authors.affiliation: Department of Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital in Sungnam-si, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jae-Ic
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Onew Hospital in Yongin-si, Repubic of Korea.
authors.forename: Yang-Rae
authors.initials: YR
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: St. Vincent's General Hospital in Suwon-si, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Kyoung-Bo
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital in Sungnam-si, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Dai-Joong
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Namseoul University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Kyung-Tae
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Namseoul University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jung-Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Choi
keywords: Balancing; Dual task; Stroke