Effects of incorporating dual task into repeated 6‐min walk test on balance and walking functions in patients with subacute stroke: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the effects of incorporating dual task into a repeated 6‐min walk test (6MWT) on balance and walking functions in patients with subacute stroke.MethodsTwenty‐eight subacute stroke survivors were randomized into experimental group (EG) and control group (CG). EG and CG participated in dual task during the repeated 6MWT and the repeated 6‐min test, respectively, for twice a day, three times weekly over 4 weeks. Outcome assessments were measured pre‐ and post‐test using the 10‐m walk test (10MWT), timed up and go test (TUG), 6MWT, Berg balance scale (BBS), and the activities specific balance confidence scale (ABC).ResultsIn the between‐group comparison, change values in the 6MWT and ABC values between pre‐ and post‐test appeared to be significantly different (p < 0.05). In within‐group comparisons, the 10MWT, 6MWT, TUG, and ABC scores showed significant differences between pre‐ and post‐test values in two groups (p < 0.05).ConclusionRepeated 6MWT may be beneficial to enhance balance and walking functions in patients with subacute stroke, with more favorable effects when performing dual tasks.