Dual-task training on gait, motor symptoms, and balance in patients with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Zhenlan; Wang, Tian; Liu, Haoyang; Jiang, Yan; Wang, Zhen; Zhuang, Jie
• Is Part Of: Clinical rehabilitation. Volume 34:Number 11(2020)
• Page Start: 1355
• Page End: 1367
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Dual-task training -- Parkinson's disease -- systematic review -- meta-analysis; Medical rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.1177/0269215520941142
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-2155

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to systematically evaluate and quantify the effectiveness of dual-task training on gait parameters, motor symptoms and balance in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Data resources: A systematic review of published literature was conducted until May 2020, using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EBSCO and CNKI databases. Methods: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs to evaluate the effects of dual-task training compared with those of non-intervention or other forms of training. The measurements included gait parameters, motor symptoms and balance parameters. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Outcomes were pooled by calculating between-group mean differences using fixed- or random-effects models based on study heterogeneity. Results: A total of 11 RCTs comprising 322 subjects were included in the present meta-analysis. Results showed that dual-task training significantly improved gait speed (standardized mean difference [SMD], −0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.38 to −0.08; P = 0.002), cadence (SMD, −0.25; 95% CI, −0.48 to −0.02; P = 0.03), motor symptoms (SMD, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.94; P = 0.004) and balance (SMD, −0.44; 95% CI, −0.84 to −0.05; P = 0.03). However, no significant changes were detected in step length or stride length. Conclusion: Dual-task training was effective in improving gait performance, motor symptoms and balance in patients with Parkinson's disease relative to other forms of training or non-intervention.