2026/01/01 by Şükriye Çakır, Ebru Akbuğa Koç, Nilgün Çınar
Health Professions · Medicine · #Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention #Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders #Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery
paper · doi:10.1123/japa.2026-0190
openalex publication_date 2026/01/01 · openalex created_date 2026/07/17 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/19
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The co-occurrence of motor and cognitive impairments in Parkinson's disease underscores the importance of dual-task training, particularly when delivered via telerehabilitation. This study aimed to compare the effects of telerehabilitation-based motor-motor and cognitive-motor dual-task training on gait speed, functional mobility, balance, strength, cognition, quality of life, and fear of falling in patients with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: Thirty individuals diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease completed this randomized controlled study: Motor-Motor Dual-Task Training Group, n = 10; the Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Training Group, n = 10; and the control group: n = 10. Throughout the 8-week intervention period, all exercise sessions were conducted via telerehabilitation. While the Motor-Motor Dual-Task Training Group completed additional motor tasks alongside the structured exercise program, the Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Training Group performed additional cognitive tasks with the structured exercise program, and the control group participated only in the structured exercise program. The 10-m Walk Test, Timed Up and Go test, Berg Balance Scale, five Times Sit to Stand Test, Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire scale, and Falls Efficacy Scale-International were assessed at baseline and postintervention. RESULTS: Over 8 weeks, both Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Training Group and Motor-Motor Dual-Task Training Group demonstrated significant within-group improvements (all, p ≤ .05), whereas the control group showed no improvement (all p > .05). Significant differences were observed between groups for all parameters (all p ≤ .05), except quality of life (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Telerehabilitation-based dual-task training interventions may improve gait speed, functional mobility, balance, lower extremity strength, and cognition and reduce fear of falling in patients with Parkinson's disease. Significance/Implications: Telerehabilitation-based dual-task training may serve as an accessible rehabilitation approach that supports functional mobility, cognitive performance, and fall prevention in patients with Parkinson's disease.