Dual Task Training Versus Single Task Training in Chronic Hemiplegic Stroke Patients

Summary

What is this study about? This study compares two common ways of practicing walking and balance after a stroke: (1) dual-task training, where a person walks or balances while doing a second task (such as counting backward or carrying a light object), and (2) single-task training, where a person practices walking and balance without any extra task. The goal is to learn whether practicing with or without an added task is more practical and acceptable for people living with long-standing weakness on one side of the body (hemiplegia) after stroke.

Why is this important? Many everyday activities-walking while talking, looking for a bus, or carrying a bag-require attention to more than one thing at a time. Some stroke survivors find this difficult. Training that safely mimics real-life multitasking may help therapists design better rehabilitation plans.

Who can take part? Adults aged 45-65 years with a diagnosis of hemiplegic stroke who can walk without hands-on help may be eligible. People with other neurological conditions that affect walking, severe problems with understanding or communication, or recent serious medical/surgical issues will not be included. Additional screening will check safety for exercise.

What will happen if I join?

Participants are randomly assigned (like a coin toss) to one of two groups:

Dual-task training group: walking/balance activities plus a simple cognitive or motor task.

Single-task training group: the same walking/balance activities without any extra task.

Both groups attend 60-minute sessions, three times per week, for six weeks at The University of Lahore Teaching Hospital or Sehat Medical Complex. A trained therapist supervises all sessions and adjusts difficulty gradually. Short rest breaks are provided.

What will be measured? At baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks, an assessor who does not know the assigned group will record walking and balance using the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA). Safety (such as any falls, dizziness, or discomfort) and attendance will also be recorded.

What are the possible risks and benefits? Risks are similar to supervised physiotherapy: temporary muscle soreness, fatigue, or loss of balance. Therapists use safety measures (close supervision, stable equipment, and rest periods). Participants may experience the general benefits of structured rehabilitation (practice, education, and monitored activity). Taking part is voluntary, and usual care remains available.

Privacy and cost Personal information is kept confidential and stored securely. There is no payment for participation. There are no charges for study-related therapy sessions.

Time commitment About 18 sessions over 6 weeks, plus four short assessment visits.

Contacts Study team members can answer questions at any time and will obtain written informed consent before any study procedures begin.

Conditions

• Hemiplegia
• Hemiplegia Following Ischemic Stroke
• Stroke

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Dual-Task Training (DTT)

This intervention combines gait and balance practice with a simultaneous secondary task to mimic real-world multitasking demands. Participants complete 60-minute sessions, three times per week for six weeks. Secondary tasks include simple cognitive activities (such as serial subtraction, word recall, or visual scanning) or light motor tasks (such as carrying an object or tossing a ball). Task complexity is increased gradually according to participant tolerance. All sessions are supervised by a trained physiotherapist, with rest breaks and safety precautions provided.

BEHAVIORAL

Single-Task Training (STT)

This intervention provides gait and balance training without any added secondary tasks. Participants complete 60-minute sessions, three times per week for six weeks. Exercises include level walking, directional changes, obstacle negotiation, static and dynamic balance activities, and surface progressions (such as standing on foam). Progression is achieved by altering the physical task difficulty only. Sessions are supervised by a physiotherapist with safety measures in place and rest breaks as needed.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Lahore

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

45 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-01-15

Primary Completion

2025-08-19

Completion

2025-09-24

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations