The Effect of Cognitive and Motor Dual-task Training on Improvement of Balance and Some Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in People With Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson disease (PD) is characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms that affect patients’ functions, especially while performing dual-tasks a critical factor in everyday living. However, many controversies exist about the benefits of dual-task training in patients with PD.

This study assessed the efficacy of motor and cognitive dual-task training in improving balance and gait parameters in people with idiopathic PD.

A single-blind controlled trial was conducted on PD patients living in Guilan Province of Iran, in 2018-2019. A total of 30 PD patients (Hoehn and Yahr stage II-III while on medication) were assigned to the cognitive dual-task training group (n=10), motor dual-task training group (n=10), and single-task control group (n=10). All groups received 30 sessions of different exercises for 10 consecutive weeks. The patients’ balance and some spatiotemporal gait parameters were respectively assessed with timed up and go test and HD VideoCam-Kinovea before and after training and then 1 month later. 

Both dual-task and single-task trainings improved the outcome measures (timed up and go test (F=535.54; P=0.000), stride length (F=87.41; P=0.00), stride time (F=102.11; P=0.00), cadence (F=286.36; P=0.00), swing time (F=48.90; P=0.00), and stance time (F=40.56; P=0.00)). These improvements were maintained at 1-month follow-up, although the effect slightly reduced. No significant differences were found between the study groups (P>0.05). 

Motor/cognitive dual-task training and single-task training were found to be significantly and equally effective in improving balance and gait parameters in people with PD.