Research article summary (published 29 Jun 2001):

Dual-task effects of talking while walking on velocity and balance following a stroke.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: Therapists and nurses often use verbal instruction in the rehabilitation of mobility following stroke. This study aimed to determine whether performing a verbal cognitive task while walking adversely affected patients' balance and velocity. METHODS: There were two counterbalanced conditions: walking only and walking and concurrent cognitive activity. The cognitive activity used was to give one of two verbal responses to two verbal stimuli. An electronic GaitMat measured gait velocity and balance (double support time as a percentage of stride time). RESULTS: 11 people with stroke participated in the study (five women and six men, mean age 72 years, SD 9). They were on average 120 (SD 48) days post-stroke. Velocity decreased (P=0.017) and double-support time as a percentage of stride time increased (P=0.010) when the cognitive activity was added to the test. CONCLUSIONS: Performing a verbal cognitive task while walking adversely affected stroke patients' balance and gait velocity. Susceptibility to disruption varied within the patient group, suggesting clinical heterogeneity. Further research is required before changes to clinical practice are justified.

Author information

Author/s: Bowen, A (A); Wenman, R (R); Mickelborough, J (J); Foster, J (J); Hill, E (E); Tallis, R (R);

Affiliation: Department of Human Communication and Deafness, Faculty of Education, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. audrey.bowen(-atsign-)man.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Age and ageing (Age Ageing), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2001-Jul; vol 30 (issue 4) : pp 319-23

Dates: Created 2001/08/17; Completed 2001/10/25; Revised 2008/11/21;

PMID: 11509310, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Aged Aged, 80 and over Cognition Female Humans Male

Middle Aged Postural Balance Stroke - psychology; rehabilitation Task Performance and Analysis Verbal Behavior Walking

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

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