Dual-task Training During Curved Walking in Stroke Patients

Mini-Mental State Examination

Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) includes items such as orientation, attention, memory, language, verbal comprehension, executive function, and construction ability. The maximum score is 30 points. A higher score indicates better cognitive function. One point is given for each correct answer. A total score below 24 suggests mild cognitive impairment, while a score below 16 indicates severe cognitive impairment.

Trail Making Test

The test consists of two parts, A and B. In part A, the participant is asked to connect a series of numbers in sequential order as quickly as possible. Part B includes both numbers and colors, where the participant must alternate between connecting the numbers and colors in order. The test records the time taken to complete the sequence and the number of errors made for scoring. If part B is not completed within 5 minutes, the test is stopped, and the highest score of 300 seconds is recorded. A lower score indicates faster completion time, suggesting better function.

Walking ability with different attention loads while turning - time

The participant will be asked to walk 10 meters in a continuous curved path, without or with dual tasks. The time (seconds) taken to turn will be recorded using a stopwatch.

Walking ability with different attention loads while turning - numbers of steps

The participant will be asked to walk 10 meters in a continuous curved path, without or with dual tasks. The numbers of steps taken to turn will be recorded using a counter.

Berg Balance Scale

This scale includes 14 test items. The scoring for each item ranges from 0 to 4. Generally, a score of 0 means the participant is completely unable to perform the test, while a score of 4 means the participant can complete the action within the specified time or achieve the maximum required distance or range of motion for the task. Each test item has a clear description of the scoring criteria. The total score is 56, and a higher score indicates better balance ability.

Activities-Specific Balance Confidence scale

This is a questionnaire that assesses the participant's level of self-confidence in maintaining balance in 16 situations commonly encountered in the community. Each of the 16 items is scored starting from 0, where 0 indicates no confidence, and scores increase in intervals of 10, with a maximum score of 100. A score of 100 represents complete confidence in maintaining balance.

Number of falls

The number of falls experienced by the participant in the past year will first be recorded. The participant will then be provided with a fall diary to track the number of falls during the one-year follow-up period after the assessment. In this study, a fall is defined as when the individual unintentionally falls to the ground, floor, or another lower level position. Each month, a follow-up phone call will be made to ensure the participant is recording the fall count as required.