Differential Effects of Cognitive vs. Motor Dual-Task Training in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Precision-Focused…

ReviewGeriatrics (Basel, Switzerland)· May 2026

Differential Effects of Cognitive vs. Motor Dual-Task Training in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Precision-Focused Meta-Analysis.

Hui Gao, Man Lang, Mustapha Mangdow, Wen Liu

Stroke RehabilitationReviewQ2IF 2.6

Motor dual-task training improved gait speed more than cognitive dual-task training after stroke.

Differential Effects of Cognitive vs. Motor Dual-Task Training in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Precision-Focused Meta-Analysis.

Hui Gao … Wen Liu

Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland) · May 2026

Background

Stroke predominantly affects older adults and is accompanied by age-related declines in balance and mobility.

Purpose

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the differential effectiveness of motor dual-task training (MDT) and cognitive dual-task training (CDT) on gait performance, balance control, and motor function while exploring other moderating factors.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials involving adult stroke survivors were included.

n = 786

Results

motor dual-task training raised gait speed far more than cognitive dual-task training

MDT gait speed

1.15SMD

MDT stride length

0.89SMD

CDT balance

0.59SMD

More results

Dual-task training demonstrated moderate improvements in both temporal (SMD = 0.50, p = 0.03) and spatial (SMD = 0.5, p = 0.04) gait performance and balance control (SMD = 0.71, p = 0.02), but not motor function.

Greater balance improvements were observed in individuals at high fall risk, and subacute patients showed enhanced responsiveness.

“

Conclusion

These findings provide guidance for tailoring dual-task modality and timing to individual patient profiles, though high heterogeneity and the lack of direct comparisons between MDT and CDT limit definitive conclusions.

Differential Effects of Cognitive vs. Motor Dual-Task Training in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Precision-Focused Meta-Analysis.

Differential Effects of Cognitive vs. Motor Dual-Task Training in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Precision-Focused Meta-Analysis.

Related papers