Effects of Dual-Task Versus Single-Task Gait Training on Walking Performance After Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Tsalis Yuna Hafshoh; Nadia Afnani Er Rahmah; Yunita Dwie Rani Fortuna; Zhaki Al Asror; Ahmad Zayyin Najah

doi:10.59141/-.v8i2.560

Authors

Tsalis Yuna Hafshoh Mulya Medika Primary Clinic
Nadia Afnani Er Rahmah Al-Hisyam Primary Clinic
Yunita Dwie Rani Fortuna Bunda Sarini Principal Clinic
Zhaki Al Asror Kedewan Public Health Centre
Ahmad Zayyin Najah Semen Gresik General Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59141/-.v8i2.560

Keywords:

Stroke, Dual-Task Training, Gait Rehabilitation, Walking Performance, Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Stroke frequently causes persistent gait impairments that limit independence and safe participation in community activities, particularly when walking requires the simultaneous performance of cognitive or motor tasks. This study aimed to compare the effects of dual-task gait training and single-task gait training on walking performance in adults after stroke. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect were searched for randomized controlled trials involving adults with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Four studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, while three studies involving 87 participants provided comparable absolute gait-speed data for quantitative analysis. Mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a fixed-effect model, and statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. The pooled analysis showed no statistically significant difference in postintervention gait speed between dual-task and single-task gait training (mean difference = 0.05; 95% CI: −0.08 to 0.18; I² = 0%). Nevertheless, the qualitative findings indicated that dual-task gait training was feasible and may provide context-specific benefits for walking capacity, gait adaptability, and performance under divided-attention conditions. In conclusion, dual-task gait training was not superior to single-task gait training for improving absolute gait speed after stroke, although its functional benefits may be better captured by outcome measures that reflect complex, real-world walking demands and everyday mobility.

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