Cognitive Dual-Task training improves balance function in patients with stroke

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive dual-task training on balance function in patients with stroke. Methods: One hundred patients with stroke were randomly allocated into training group and control group. Control group received conventional balance program, training group received cognitive dual-task training (conventional balance program + cognitive training). Subjects were asked to exercise 3 times a week (40min/time) for 8 weeks. In the pre- and post-training sessions, all participants performed tests of static postural control. Static postural control was assessed via measurement of center of pressure sway under eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions. Results: Ninety-two of the 100 participants (training group, n=47; control group, n=45) completed the 8 weeks program. Control group had significantly greater maximum displacement in the medial-lateral direction with eyes open and closed condition, compared with training group (P< 0.05). And anteroposterior balance indices of subjects in the dual task group were significantly better than those in the control group with eyes open after 8 weeks (P=0.000). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that an integration of a cognitive training and balance program (cognitive dual task) could produce more beneficial effects on balance function than balance exercise alone (single task) in patients with chronic stroke.