Affiliations: [a] Department of Occupational Therapy, Division of Health Science, Baekseok University, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
| [b] Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
Correspondence:
[*]
Address for correspondence: Sang-Heon Lee, Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medical Science,
Soonchunhyang University, 22 Soonchunhyang-ro, Shinchang-myeon, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, 31358, Republic of
Korea. Tel.: +82 10 9057 0688; Fax: +82 41 530 3089; E-mails: sangheon@sch.ac.kr; sangheon064@gmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Dual-task training using one walking and one cognitive task is effective in improving post-stroke motor functions. OBJECTIVE:We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dual-task training using various cognitive tasks for the assessment of attention, executive function, and motor function in stroke patients. METHODS:This was a single-center, randomized trial involving 30 stroke patients who were divided into a dual-task (test) group (n = 15) using different cognitive tests, and a conventional occupational therapy (control) group (n = 15). In both groups, interventions were conducted 18 times, at 30 minutes per session, 3 sessions per week, for 6 weeks. Primary outcome measures were the Trail Making Test A&B, the Digit Span Test (DST) Forward and Backward, and the Stroop (ST) Color and Word test. Secondary outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, the Modified Functional Reach Test, and the Berg Balance Scale. Each test was applied pre-and post- intervention. RESULTS:Post-intervention, the dual-task group showed a significantly stronger effect than the occupational therapy group in the DST-Forward (p = 0.04), DST-Backward (p = 0.001), ST-Color (p = 0.023), and Berg Balance Scale (p = 0.009) assessments. CONCLUSIONS:Dual-task training using various cognitive tasks had a greater positive effect than conventional occupational therapy on auditory attention, memory span, executive function, and balance.
Keywords: Dual-task, cognition, attention, executive function, motor
