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

Study design and setting Single-center, parallel-group, randomized, single-blind controlled trial conducted at the University Institute of Physical Therapy (UIPT), Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The University of Lahore, with sessions delivered at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital and Sehat Medical Complex.

Rationale After stroke, many individuals report difficulty walking when attention is divided. Rehabilitation programs often use either single-task practice or add a concurrent cognitive or motor task to approximate everyday demands. A standardized comparison of these two approaches over a fixed dose of therapy can inform practical rehabilitation planning.

Participants

Target population: Adults (45-65 years) with hemiplegic stroke who can ambulate without physical assistance.

Key inclusion criteria: clinical diagnosis of hemiplegic stroke; able to follow instructions; ambulatory (with or without an assistive device but without hands-on help).

Key exclusion criteria: other neurological conditions affecting mobility; severe cognitive-communication impairment that prevents following instructions; recent acute medical or surgical conditions that make exercise unsafe; severe hemiparesis that prevents safe participation.

Eligibility is confirmed by screening interview and brief clinical examination.

Sample size and allocation Planned enrollment is 62 participants, randomized 1:1 to dual-task training (DTT) or single-task training (STT). Randomization uses sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes prepared by an investigator not involved in treatment or assessments. Group assignment is concealed until after baseline testing.

Blinding Outcome assessments are conducted by a trained assessor blinded to group allocation. Due to the nature of exercise interventions, therapists and participants are not blinded.

Interventions (dose matched) All sessions last 60 minutes, 3 times per week for 6 weeks (approximately 18 total sessions). Sessions include a brief warm-up, progressive task practice, and short rest breaks. Safety measures include therapist supervision, use of gait belts where appropriate, and removal of environmental hazards.

Dual-task training (DTT):

Gait tasks: level walking, directional changes, obstacle negotiation, and surface progressions (e.g., foam).

Concurrent tasks: simple cognitive tasks (e.g., counting backward by ones or threes; identifying targets in the environment; short memory queries) or light motor tasks (e.g., carrying a half-filled cup; gentle ball toss).

Progression: Gradual increase in task complexity (e.g., longer walking paths, slightly more challenging arithmetic, modestly increased obstacle height) while maintaining safety and allowing rest.

Single-task training (STT):

Gait tasks: matched to DTT (level walking, directional changes, obstacle negotiation, surface progressions) without any concurrent cognitive or secondary motor task.

Balance tasks: static and dynamic balance (single-leg stance as able; reaching tasks; stance on foam; graded perturbation practice) without any added task.

Progression: Similar physical progression as DTT (e.g., speed, distance, surface challenge) with therapist supervision.

Outcome measures and schedule

Assessments occur at Baseline, Week 2, Week 4, and Week 6:

Primary outcomes:

Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) - Balance subscore (0-16) and Gait subscore (0-12).

Process and safety monitoring: session attendance, adverse events (falls, near-falls, dizziness, pain), and participant-reported fatigue during therapy.

The assessor records scores using standardized instructions. To minimize bias, participants are asked not to reveal their group to the assessor.

Visit structure

Screening/Baseline visit (about 45-60 minutes): informed consent; eligibility check; demographics; baseline POMA testing; safety counseling.

Treatment visits (60 minutes each): warm-up, structured task practice per group, monitored rest breaks, cool-down, safety check.

Interim assessments (Week 2 and Week 4; 15-30 minutes): POMA testing by the blinded assessor.

End-of-program assessment (Week 6; 30-45 minutes): final POMA testing; safety review; discussion of next-step clinical follow-up outside the study as needed.

Safety measures Therapists supervise all activities, provide guarding for balance tasks, and adapt difficulty based on participant tolerance. Any adverse events are documented and reported per institutional policy. Participants may pause or stop a session at any time.

Data management and confidentiality Paper forms and electronic records are stored securely with restricted access. Study data are coded; identifying information is kept separate from outcome data. Only authorized team members may access the linkage file. Data will be analyzed in aggregate without naming individuals.

Participant rights Participation is voluntary. Individuals may decline or withdraw at any time without affecting their access to usual care. There is no financial cost for study-related sessions. Transportation and scheduling needs are accommodated as feasible.

Training fidelity Intervention checklists specify the planned activities and progression for each week to ensure comparable dose and content across therapists and participants. Periodic supervision verifies adherence to the protocol.

Dissemination plan Findings from this protocol will be shared in academic venues and with local rehabilitation teams in a way that protects participant privacy. Individual results are not reported; only grouped, de-identified data are shared.

Contacts For questions about the study procedures, eligibility, scheduling, or privacy, potential participants and healthcare providers may contact the study team at the University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore. Written informed consent will be obtained before any study-specific activities begin.