Further resources

You are already familiar with the methodology of gait analysis with an additional task. Now you are likely interested in how you can work with a patient with such gait disorders. Intensive efforts are still ongoing to find the best therapy, and this knowledge is continually evolving. Below, you will find several links to publications that will be helpful, especially if you work with stroke survivors or older individuals.

The work of Liu et al. (2017) indicates that cognitive dual-task gait training, motor dual-task gait training, or conventional physical therapy are effective in improving gait with an additional task in stroke survivors. The greatest improvement was observed after gait training with an additional cognitive task. This study also provides guidelines on how to conduct gait therapy for stroke patients.

On the other hand, Chiaramontei et al. (2022) presented various methods of gait training with an additional task and proprioceptive training, including virtual programs to enhance gait with an additional task in stroke survivors.

Different methods of gait therapy for older individuals can be found in the work of Raichlen et al. (2020). They applied cognitive function training, aerobic exercises, both procedures simultaneously, and watching videos as a control group. The most significant and fastest effects were observed in the group that utilized both cognitive and aerobic training.

A common theme emerging from each of the above studies is the recognition that further research is needed to precisely define recommendations regarding the principles of conducting training aimed at improving gait with an additional task.

Chiaramonte, R., Bonfiglio, M., Leonforte, P., Coltraro, G. L., Guerrera, C. S., & Vecchio, M. (2022). Proprioceptive and Dual-Task Training: The Key of Stroke Rehabilitation, A Systematic Review. Journal of functional morphology and kinesiology, 7(3), 53. https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk7030053

Liu, Y. C., Yang, Y. R., Tsai, Y. i A., & Wang, R. Y. (2017). Cognitive and motor dual task gait training improve dual task gait performance after stroke – A randomized controlled pilot trial. Scientific reports, 7(1), 4070. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-04165-y Raichlen, D. A., Bharadwaj, P. K., Nguyen, L. A., Franchetti, M. K., Zigman, E. K., Solorio, A. R., &  Alexander, G. E. (2020). Effects of simultaneous cognitive and aerobic exercise training on dual-task walking performance in healthy older adults: results from a pilot randomized controlled trial. BMC geriatrics, 20(1), 83. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-020-1484-5