Effects of dual-task training on gait and balance in post-stroke individuals: a systematic review with meta-analysis

ABSTRACT This article aims to investigate the effects of dual-task training in the gait and balance of post-stroke individuals via a systematic review with meta-analysis of clinical trials with adequate methodological quality. Searches in the electronic databases PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, PEDro, up to...

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Main Authors: Ally Summer Santiago Procópio, Deivid Barbosa Portilho, Patrick Roberto Avelino, Kênia Kiefer Parreiras de Menezes
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Universidade de São Paulo 2025-08-01
Series:Fisioterapia e Pesquisa
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Online Access:http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1809-29502025000100901&lng=en&tlng=en
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Summary:ABSTRACT This article aims to investigate the effects of dual-task training in the gait and balance of post-stroke individuals via a systematic review with meta-analysis of clinical trials with adequate methodological quality. Searches in the electronic databases PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, PEDro, up to September 2024, by two independent researchers. We included randomized clinical trials, with dual-task training in post-stroke individuals, with an average PEDro scale score of six or higher. The outcome measures of interest were any related to gait and/or balance, which could be assessed using tests or questionnaires. Study methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Eight studies were included. Overall, dual-task training showed to be effective in improving gait speed by 0.11 m/s (95%CI 0.02–0.21; I2=11%; p=0.02), cadence by 7.30 steps/minute (95%CI 2.46–12.14; I2=0%; p=0.003), and balance (SMD 0.45; 95%CI 0.08–0.81; I2=36%; p=0.02). No significant results were found for stride length (SD 1.72; 95%CI −9.15–12.59; I2=22%; p=0.76) and mobility (95%CI −5.64–1.88; I2=0%; p=0.33). This systematic review showed, via meta-analysis, that dual-task training can significantly improve gait speed, cadence, and balance in post-stroke individuals. However, we recommend new clinical trials, with higher methodological quality, especially studying the effects on mobility and balance.
ISSN:2316-9117