Dual-task training improved balance measures in children with cerebral palsy
A review of randomized trials favored practicing tasks together over conventional therapies for balance, walking speed, and selected motor-function measures.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The pooled trials suggest that dual-task training improves measured balance, walking speed, and standing and locomotion scores in children with cerebral palsy compared with conventional therapies. However, the abstract does not show how these standardized differences translate into everyday independence, how long benefits last, or which training schedule was used.
This abstract-based explanation lacks training duration, follow-up length, and the results of the study-quality assessment. Standardized effects do not directly describe how much easier an everyday activity became for a child.
What researchers found
Functional balance
Dual-task training versus conventional therapies: the estimated group difference was 0.65 standard deviations, favoring training. The confidence interval expresses uncertainty around that standardized difference. Assessment timing was not reported.
What practicing tasks together involves
Dual-task training combines simultaneous activities involving movement, thinking, or both. The review asked whether this approach improved balance and mobility measurements in children with cerebral palsy when compared with conventional therapies.
Measured gains need everyday context
The standardized result expresses a difference relative to variation in measured scores, rather than a percentage improvement. The abstract does not report whether the gains reduced falls, increased participation, or persisted beyond the trial assessments.
The original publication
Dual-Task Training Interventions for Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Effects on Postural Balance and Walking Speed.
Cortés-Pérez I, Castillo-Pintor MLÁ, Barrionuevo-Berzosa R et al.
Medicina (Kaunas) · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40870460
- Record checked
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