The effects of cognitive dual-task gait training and motor dual-task gait training on lower-limb coordination during walking in subacute stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

Dual-task gait training often improves walking ability in stroke patients, but its effect on lower-limb coordination and the effects of different training types remains unclear. Improving lower-limb coordination could decrease fall risk during walking.

RESEARCH QUESTION: To observe the rehabilitation effect of cognitive dual-task gait training (CDTG) and motor dual-task gait training (MDTG) on lower-limb coordination during walking in subacute stroke patients.

METHODS

Thirty-five subacute stroke patients were randomly assigned to the CDTG group (n = 18) and the MDTG group (n = 17), receiving cognitive dual-task gait training and motor dual-task gait training, respectively, three times a week for 4 weeks. If training benefits lower-limb coordination, a larger mean continuous relative phase (MCRP) and smaller variability (MCRPV) should be observed during walking.

RESULTS

After training, the MCRP of the bilateral hip joints increased during the stance phase of the affected side in both groups (P = 0.034), while the MCRPV of the bilateral hip joints decreased significantly (P = 0.024). During the swing phase of the affected side, the MCRPV between the hip and knee joints of the unaffected side (P = 0.001), the knee and ankle joints of the unaffected side (P = 0.011), and the two knee joints (P = 0.048) all decreased. There was no difference between the two groups before and after training.

SIGNIFICANCE: Four weeks of cognitive dual-task gait training and motor dual-task gait training can effectively improve lower-limb coordination in subacute stroke patients, and there is no difference in the effects of the two training methods.