Effects of incorporating dual task into repeated 6‐min walk test on balance and walking functions in patients with subacute stroke: A randomized controlled trial

Objective To explore the effects of incorporating dual task into a repeated 6-min walk test (6MWT) on balance and walking functions in patients with subacute stroke. Methods Twenty-eight subacute stroke survivors were randomized into experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). EG and CG participated in dual task during the repeated 6MWT and the repeated 6-min test, respectively, for twice a day, three times weekly over 4 weeks. Outcome assessments were measured pre- and post-test using the 10-m walk test (10MWT), timed up and go test (TUG), 6MWT, Berg balance scale (BBS), and the activities specific balance confidence scale (ABC). Results In the between-group comparison, change values in the 6MWT and ABC values between pre- and post-test appeared to be significantly different (p < 0.05). In within-group comparisons, the 10MWT, 6MWT, TUG, and ABC scores showed significant differences between pre- and post-test values in two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion Repeated 6MWT may be beneficial to enhance balance and walking functions in patients with subacute stroke, with more favorable effects when performing dual tasks.