Comparison of Dual-Task Specific Training & Conventional Physiotherapeutic Interventions in Ambulation of Left Hemiplegic Stroke Patients: A Randomized Control Trial
Published: 2023-09-01
Page: 121-128
Issue: 2023 - Volume 6 [Issue 1]
Muslim Khan *
Iqra National University, Pakistan.
Mutlk Aiyedh Almutairi
Department of Physiotherapy, Long Term Care Hospital, Ministry of Health, Hafer Albatin, 39921, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Hamdan Mohsen Aldhafeeri
King Khalid Hospital Hafr Albatin, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Mohammad Ahmad Sharahily
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Department, King Salman Hospital, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, 12769, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed Ibrahim Amri
Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Department, King Salman Hospital, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, 12769, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
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.
Keywords: Stroke, dual task training, conventional physical therapy, gait and ambulation