Effects of Dual-task Performance on Postural Sway of Stroke Patients with Experience of Falls

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dual-task performance on postural sway of patients with stroke who had previously experienced falls. [Subjects] Fifty-six patients with stroke who were receiving physical therapy were recruited on a voluntary basis from a rehabilitation unit. They were allocated to 2 groups according to their experience of falls: stroke with falls (n=26) during past 1 year and stroke without falls (n=30). [Methods] This study had a cross-sectional design. We measured the anteroposterior and mediolateral postural sway velocity during a single-task condition (postural control) and a dual-task condition (backward counting with postural control) using a force plate. [Results] The anteroposterior and mediolateral postural sway velocities under single- and dual-task conditions were significantly higher in the stroke with falls group. Furthermore, the anteroposterior and mediolateral postural sway velocity significantly increased under the dual-task condition in both the groups. [Conclusion] Experience of falls was found to increase the postural sway velocity of stroke patients. These results may be useful in balance training for the prevention of falls by stroke patients.