What are the factors affecting dual-task gait performance in people after stroke?

Background People after stroke have difficulties when they undertaking two tasks simultaneously. Purposes To investigate the relationships between dual-task performance and factors such as motor function, balance, cognitive state, and fatigue, to identify factors that have an impact on dual-task performance after a stroke. Methods Thirty-seven people with stroke and 38 healthy participants were assessed with 10-m walking test in different performances which were single-task-based, motor dual-task-based and cognitive dual-task-based. Results were evaluated according to the Rivermead Motor Assessment, the Static balance index, the Mini-Mental State Examination, and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Results Participants with stroke were slower compared to the control group with the following mean speed values for single-task (M = 0.73 m/s, t = -7.612,p< .001), motor dual-task (M = 0.70 m/s, t = -8.232,p< .001), cognitive dual-task (M = 0.59 m/s, t = -7.944,p< .001). For people after stroke, motor dual-task performance was significantly affected by the total motor function scores (r = 0.648,p< .001), static balance (r = -0.499,p< .05), and fatigue rates (r = -0.349,p< .05). Furthermore, cognitive dual-task performance was affected by the total motor function score (r = 0.537,p< .05) static balance (r = -0.541,p< .05) and fatigue rates (r = -0.350),p< .05). Multivariate factor analysis indicated that impairment in the gross function influenced motor dual-task performance (B = 0.086,p= .031) and cognitive dual-task performance (B = 0.083,p= .010). Cognitive dual-task performance was affected by leg-trunk function (B = 0.063,p= .015) and age (B = -0.006,p= .009). Conclusion The present study indicated that dual-task performance was related to motor function, balance, and fatigue, whereas gross motor function was the unique determinant of dual-task performance.

Automated summary

This study found that people after stroke have difficulty performing dual tasks, and their performance is related to motor function, balance, and fatigue. Gross motor function was identified as the main determinant of dual-task performance.