Effect of the cognitive-motor dual-task using auditory cue on balance of surviviors with chronic stroke: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of a cognitive-motor dual-task using auditory cues on the balance of patients with chronic stroke.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Inpatient rehabilitation center.


METHODS
Thirty-seven individuals with chronic stroke.


METHODS
The participants were randomly allocated to the dual-task group (n=19) and the single-task group (n=18). The dual-task group performed a cognitive-motor dual-task in which they carried a circular ring from side to side according to a random auditory cue during treadmill walking. The single-task group walked on a treadmill only. All subjects completed 15 min per session, three times per week, for four weeks with conventional rehabilitation five times per week over the four weeks.


METHODS
Before and after intervention, both static and dynamic balance were measured with a force platform and using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.


RESULTS
The dual-task group showed significant improvement in all variables compared to the single-task group, except for anteroposterior (AP) sway velocity with eyes open and TUG at follow-up: mediolateral (ML) sway velocity with eye open (dual-task group vs. single-task group: 2.11 mm/s vs. 0.38 mm/s), ML sway velocity with eye close (2.91 mm/s vs. 1.35 mm/s), AP sway velocity with eye close (4.84 mm/s vs. 3.12 mm/s). After intervention, all variables showed significant improvement in the dual-task group compared to baseline.


CONCLUSIONS
The study results suggest that the performance of a cognitive-motor dual-task using auditory cues may influence balance improvements in chronic stroke patients.
Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Welfare, Sahmyook University, Seoul, South Korea Institute of Rehabilitation Science, Seoul, South Korea.
Wonjae
W
Choi
Department of Physical Therapy, College of Natural Science, Kyungnam University, Changwon-si, South Korea.
GyuChang
G
Lee
Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Welfare, Sahmyook University, Seoul, South Korea swlee@syu.ac.kr.
Seungwon
S
Lee
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003463:Cues; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
Stroke; balance; dual-task training; treadmill training