The effect of dual-task training on activity and participation in children with cerebral palsy

This study was planned to examine the effects of dual task (DT) training on the body structures during walking function, walking activity, balance and participation in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Twenty-five children with CP between the ages of 7-18, who have the level I or II according to the gross motor function classification system, were included in the study. Children were divided into study (n = 12) and control (n = 13) groups. The demographic information, the level of hand skills and communication function of the children were recorded. Children's performances with DT and single task (ST) conditions in 10m walking, 10m fast walking, 10m backward walking, Timed up and Go (TUG) test and Edinburgh Visual Gait Score (EVGS) were assessed. Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and Pediatric Outcome Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) were applied. Children in the study and control groups were included in 6-week physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs in special education centers. According to the evaluations made after the intervention, in the study group, walking and TUG duration decreased, EGYA performances increased under DT conditions (p<0.05). In addition, fast walking duration decreased in the study group under ST conditions (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant change in the control group (p>0,05). When the differences between the study and control groups are compared, it was deduced that balance and mobility exercises with DT conditions are superior on the ones with ST conditions with regard to the increase of walking and balance performance (p<0,05). As a result of the study, it was determined that the activity levels of the children in the study group increased, but their participation levels did not change. It is inferred that children with CP would be more successful in DT conditions that are frequently encountered in daily life by including DT exercises to their rehabilitation programs.