Effects of Dual-Task Training And Conventional Physical Therapy On Upper Extremity Motor Functions Among Individuals With Subacute Stroke
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61581/mjsp.v7i03.393Keywords:
Dual-Task Training, Conventional, Physical therapy, Stroke, Motor functioningAbstract
Objective: To compare the effects of dual-task training (DTT) with dose-equivalent conventional physical therapy for improving upper extremity motor function in people with subacute stroke.
Methodology: Randomized controlled trial was conducted at Ibne Siena Hospital and Research Institute and BARKI Advanced Physiotherapy, Multan, Pakistan; four-week intervention from 2nd May 2026 to 31 August 2026. The randomized controlled trial was conducted at Ibne Siena Hospital and Research Institute and BARKI Advanced Physiotherapy, Multan, Pakistan. Sixty-two participants were randomized into two groups with 56 completing the four week intervention (28 per group). Both groups had four 1-hour sessions per week. Conventional therapy was supplemented by functional upper limb tasks in sitting position on a Swiss ball for the DTT group, whereas the comparison group received conventional exercises only. Motor recovery was assessed with the Fugl-Meyer Assessment–Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) before and after treatment.
Results: The mean FMA-UE increased in the DTT group from 25.07 ± 4.35 to 45.29 ± 3.86, and in the conventional group from 24.68 ± 3.80 to 35.07 ± 3.92. Mean change was 20.21 ± 4.52 vs 10.39 ± 2.66 points respectively. The difference in change between groups was 9.82 points (95% CI, 7.83–11.82; p < .001).
Conclusion: Across four weeks, the dual-task training was related to greater gains in upper extremity motor scores than the dose-equivalent conventional program. Further follow-up and functional outcome measures are needed to establish whether these improvements are durable and translate into everyday independence.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Muneeb Nisar, Muhammad Hassan Sajjad
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