Investigation of the effects of dual task balance training in individuals with above knee amputation

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of dual task balance training on static and dynamic balance, functional mobility, gait parameters, cognitive level, balance confidence, depression, sleep quality, quality of life in individuals with transfemoral amputation. Twenty individuals who participated in the study were divided into two groups. One group performed single-task gait and balance exercises, the other group performed dual-task gait and balance exercises. Individuals were treated for 4 weeks, 3 days a week. individuals were evaluated before and after treatment. After the demographic and clinical characteristics of the subjects were recorded, single leg stance time, four square step test, timed up and go test, 10 meter walking test, gait analysis with footprint method were performed single task, with cognitive dual task and motor dual task. Additionally Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale, Activity-specific balance confidence scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Pittsburg sleep quality index, World Health Organization Quality of Life Module were applied. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups were similar (p> 0.05). Although balance and mobility improved in both groups, it was seen that dual task balance performance improved more in the dual task group after treatment. Dual task functional mobility and gait speed increased more in the dual task group. Walking speed on uneven ground improved more in the dual task group. The decrease in the step width and the increase in cadence with the dual task were more common in the dual task group with single task and cognitive dual task. It was seen that performing exercises as a dual task had a positive effect on cognitive status. (p <0.05). The results of this study show that both exercise approaches are effective in improving balance and gait parameters, and that dual task exercises are more effective in improving performance in the dual task situation and on uneven ground, improving cognitive level. Since the addition of dual task exercises to the rehabilitation program increases the task automation, it is thought that it will offer a different perspective to the professionals working in the field.