Comparison of Dual-Task Specific Training & Conventional Physiotherapeutic Interventions in Ambulation of Left Hemiplegic Stroke Patients: A Randomized Control Trial

Background: Physiotherapeutic interventions help in the motor relearning and functional recovery of stroke patients with motor impairments of the upper and lower limbs. Among the various physiotherapeutic interventions, dual-task training has been proven significantly effective in the functional recovery of stroke patients. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of dual-task training (DTT) and conventional physical therapy in ambulatory left-hemiplegic stroke patients.

Methods: This RCT was conducted at the King Hospital, Swat, from March 2019 to August 2019 on chronic left-hemiplegic stroke patients. The patients recruited for the study on the basis of set inclusion criteria were randomised into 2 groups: the treatment group received DTT, while the control group received conventional physical therapy. The DTT menu intervention contained the following: slowly walking forward, backward, and sideways on a smooth, non-slippery surface while holding an 80-gram sandbag in hand. The CPT group received conventional physiotherapy, which included mat activities, strengthening and stretching exercises, and ambulation and gait training. Pre- and post-test clinical data were collected and analysed on SPSS 22 for spatial and temporal variables for CPT and DTT by using 10MWT and TUG (10-Meter Walk Test and Time Up and Go Test, respectively) along with step length, cadence, cycle time, and stride length.

Results: Of the 32 patients, there were 16 (50%) in each of the groups that both had 18 males (56%) and 14 females (44%). The mean age recorded in the CPT was 58.20 6.20 and in the DTT 58.27 6.12 years. Baseline clinical parameters among both groups were almost identical (P > 0.05). Post-test score showed improvement of gait variables (temporal and spatial), 10MWT score, cadence, step length, stride, and cycle time in DTT as compared to CPT (P 0.05).

Conclusion: Dual-task training and conventional physical therapy significantly improve the functional ability of the left-hemiplegic patients on all gait, temporal, and spatial parameters.