Dual-Task Specific Training or Conventional Physiotherapeutic Interventions, Which one is more Effective?

Background: Physiotherapeutic interventions play a crucial role in motor re-learning and functional recovery for stroke patients with upper and lower limb motor impairments. Among these interventions, dual-task training (DTT) has demonstrated significant effectiveness in enhancing the functional recovery of stroke patients. Objective: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of DTT and conventional physical therapy in ambulating right-hemiplegic stroke patients.Material and Methods: A randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Saidu group of Teaching Hospital, 2nd March 2020 to 3rd August 2020. Chronic right-hemiplegic stroke patients meeting set inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to two groups: the treatment group (TG) receiving DTT and the control group (CG) undergoing conventional physical therapy. DTT interventions included walking forward, backward, and sideways on a smooth surface while holding an 80-gram sandbag. The CG received conventional physiotherapy involving mat activities, strengthening, stretching exercises, and ambulation/gait training. Pre- and post-tests collected clinical data analyzed on SPSS 22 included spatial and temporal variables, 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), Time Up & Go Test (TUG), step length, cadence, cycle time, and stride length. Results: Out of 18 patients, each group had 50%, comprising 5 males (28%) and 4 females (22%). The mean age in CG was 57.20± 5.20, and in TG, it was 57.27± 6.10 years. Baseline clinical parameters were nearly identical between groups (P>0.05). Post-test scores revealed significant improvements in spatial and temporal gait variables, 10MWT score, cadence, step length, stride, and cycle time in TG compared to CG (P<0.05). Conclusion: Dual-task training and conventional physical therapy both significantly enhance the functional ability of right-hemiplegic patients across all gait temporal and spatial parameters. Keywords: Conventional physical therapy, Dual task training, Gait & ambulation, Stroke.