The Effect of Dual Motor Task Training on Balance of Subacute Stroke Patients

PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of dual motor task training and simple task training on the balance of subacute stroke patients. METHODS: A total of 23 subacute stroke patients participated in the study. The subjects were allocated randomly to two groups: an experimental group and a control group. Both groups received conventional treatment for 50 minutes, 5 times per week for 6 weeks. In addition, the experimental group stacked blocks, moved catch cups, and moved rings while standing and gait. To evaluate the effects of the exercises, subjects were evaluated by using the balance system and the timed get up and go test(TUG) for balance measurement. The data was analyzed using a paired t-test and independent t-test to determine the statistical significance. RESULTS: The experimental group showed a significant decrease on the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior stability index compared to the control group (p<.05) for the simple task and a significant decrease on the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior stability index compared to the control group for the dual task. In addition, the experimental group showed a significant increase in TUG time compared to the control group (p<.05). CONCLUSION: These results support the perceived benefits of dual motor task training to augment the balance of subacute stroke patients. Therefore, dual motor task training is recommended for subacute stroke patients.