Effect of Dual Task Training on Balance and Functional Mobility in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Research background. It was found that dual task training improves functional abilities in subjects with neurological disorders, however it is not known how dual task training affects balance and functional mobility in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

The aim. To determine the effectiveness of dual motor tasks training and basic physiotherapy programme on balance and functional mobility in children with spastic diplegic CP.

Methods. The study included 20 children with spastic diplegic CP. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups: control group (40 min basic physiotherapy programme) and experimental group (20 min basic physiotherapy programme and 20 min dual motor task training). Physiotherapy was applied for 3 weeks (5 times a week). Balance and functional mobility were assessed at baseline and at the end.

Results. There was a statistically significant improvement in balance and functional mobility in both the control and experimental groups after three weeks of physiotherapy (p < 0.05). Comparing two groups with each other, there was a statistically significant improvement in the experimental group on balance and walking (p < 0.05).

Conclusion. Dual task training can be used as an effective intervention to improve balance and walking in children with spastic diplegic CP.

Keywords: motor tasks, cerebral palsy, balance, functional mobility.