Stroke rehabilitation rankings vary by walking and balance test
A network meta-analysis favored different dual-task approaches for different outcomes, with evidence certainty ranging widely.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Motor-walking dual-task training ranked most favorably for several walking measures and a balance scale. Cognitive-balance training ranked highest for the Timed Up and Go test. These rankings suggest that conclusions depend on the outcome chosen, but they do not establish that one approach is best for every person recovering from stroke.
The abstract does not identify the comparator for each estimate or report treatment duration. Evidence certainty ranges from very low to high, limiting confidence in a single overall ranking.
Different tests, different leaders
The review considered walking rhythm, speed, step measurements, and balance tests. Motor-walking training led across several measures, while cognitive-balance training led on a different mobility test, so the pattern was not uniform.
What rankings cannot tell us
Some results were expressed as standardized mean differences, which are not percentage improvements. Without named reference groups or outcome-specific certainty ratings in the abstract, the reported rankings offer limited guidance about how large or dependable the advantages are.
The original publication
Effects of dual-task training on walking and balance in stroke patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Zhao Y, Guo C, Zhang D et al.
Clin Rehabil · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41269895
- Record checked
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