Efficacy of dual task training for children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial

This study aims to compare the effects of Dual Task (DT) training on walking, balance, and participation parameters in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) with those of Single Task (ST) training. The Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS), the Timed Up and Go (TuG), the 10-m walk test, the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), and the Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) were administered before and after treatment. Participants in both groups received treatment twice weekly for 6 weeks (45 minutes per session). The control group received ST training, while the study group performed the same activities combined with age-appropriate cognitive tasks (DT training). After adjusting for baseline scores using ANCOVA, significant differences were found between the study and control groups in the DT conditions of the 10-m walk test (F = 5.297, p = 0.031, η 2 = 0.194) and the TuG test (F = 7.975, p = 0.010, η 2 = 0.266), both indicating large effect sizes. No significant differences were observed between the groups for the ST 10-m walk test (F = 1.771, p = 0.197, η 2 = 0.075) or for the EVGS, PBS, and PODCI outcomes after controlling for baseline scores. DT training may have positive effects on walking and functional activities of children with CP. The addition of balance and mobility exercises, including DT, to rehabilitation programs for children with CP may improve their success with DT, which is frequently encountered in daily life. Clinicaltrials.gov Registry: NCT04777773.