| Objective: To explore the effects of dual task (DT) training on balance and walking ability in patients with ataxia after stroke. Methods: Totally, 40 patients with post-stroke ataxia were randomly divided into DT group and single task (ST) group with 20 cases each. ST group received routine exercise training, while DT group received DT training during walking training on the basis of routine training. Before and after 4 weeks of treatment, two groups of patients were evaluated as follows: Time Up and Go Test-Single (TUG-S), Time Up and Go Test-Motor (TUG-M), Time Up and Go Test-Cognitive (TUG-C), Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and modified Barthel index (MBI). Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, the time of TUG-S, TUG-M, TUG-C and SARA scores in the two groups decreased significantly (all P < 0.05), while BBS and MBI scores increased significantly (all P<0.05). Compared with ST group, the difference of TUG-S, TUG-M, TUG-C time and SARA score in DT group decreased significantly after treatment (all P<0.05), while BBS and MBI scores increased significantly (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Dual task training can improve the balance and walking ability of patients with ataxia after stroke, and help them to participate in daily living activities. |
