Effects of Dual-Task Conditions on Turning Characteristics of Stroke Survivors in Healthcare Environment

Abstract

Turning is an attentionally demanding task for stroke survivors especially when it involves challenging environments. The aim of this study was to investigate turning characteristics under dual-task conditions (dual motor and dual cognitive) in stroke survivors and healthy controls. We compared the turning characteristics based on the following: (1) staggering, (2) number of steps, (3) time was taken, and (4) strategy used to complete a 180º turn. We found that stroke survivors presented with turning difficulty, especially under dual cognitive task. Forthcoming research is needed to investigate further the social impact of stroke survival in their current environment.