Effects of dual-task training on gait and motor ability in patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the world, which seriously damages motor and balance ability. Dual-task training is discussed as an appropriate intervention. The aim of this review was to synthesize the existing research findings on the efficacy of dual-task training for people with Parkinson's disease. Data resources A systematic search on PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, Web of Science, and PEDro, randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) of dual-task training for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Methods Articles published until 1 November 2022 were included. Our search identified 7 RCTs with a total of 406 subjects. Review Manager 5.4 software was used for bias evaluation and to process the results of the outcome measures collected from the investigations. Results Dual-task training was associated with significant improvement in most motor and balance outcomes including gait velocity (standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.37-0.87; I-2 = 31%; P = 0.21), cadence (SMD = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.05-0.53; I-2 = 0%; P = 0.71), timed-up-and-go test (mean difference (MD) = -2.38; 95% CI, -3.93 to -0.84; I-2 = 32%; P = 0.22) and mini-balance evaluation systems test (MD = 2.04; 95% CI, 1.05-3.03; I-2 = 0%; P = 0.92). Conclusion Evidence from meta-analyses suggests that dual-task training may improve motor and balance abilities in Parkinson's disease patients. Future research should focus on finding the most appropriate dual-task treatment model for patients with different degrees, in order to further improve the rehabilitation treatment of Parkinson's disease.