The effects of dual-task training on balance and gross motor function in children with spastic diplegia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in dynamic balance and gross motion function when dual-task training was performed on an unstable support surface by children with spastic diplegia. The subjects of this study were 14 children (experimental group n=7, control group n=7) who were medical diagnosed with spastic diplegia. Both groups were administered treatment for 30 min, 2 times a week for 8 weeks, with the experimental group performing dual-task exercise in which cognitive tasks related to daily living were performed while maintaining balance on an unstable surface, and the control group being administered neuro-developmental treatment. Balance and gross motor function Assessments were conducted before intervention and after 8 weeks of intervention. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to analyze changes in balance, gross motor function in the group, and the Mann–Whitney test was conducted to compare the differences between the two groups before and after intervention. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference in both groups when balance in a sitting position and gross motor function (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in balance and gross motor function assessment (P<0.05). Based on the results of this study, it was confirmed that dual-task training improves balance, gross motor function in children with spastic diplegia. Therefore, dual-task training may be considered as an effective method of intervention method in the functional aspect of children with spastic diplegia.