Yang YR, Wang RY, Chen YC, Kao MJ
This study examined the effectiveness of a dual-task-based exercise program on walking ability in subjects with chronic stroke. Twenty-five subjects with chronic stroke who were at least limited community ambulatory subjects were randomized into a control group or experimental group. Subjects in the control group did not receive any rehabilitation training and subjects in the experimental group underwent a 4-week ball exercise program. The results showed that the experimental group showed significant improvement in all selected gait measures except for temporal symmetry index under both task conditions. In the control group, there were no significant changes over the 4-week period for all selected measures. There was a significant difference between groups for all selected gait variables except for temporal symmetry index under both task conditions. The authors conclude that the dual-task-based exercise program is feasible and beneficial for improving walking ability in subjects with chronic stroke.
Archives of Physical and Medical Rehabilitation, 2007, 88(10):1236-40