Effect of Sensorimotor Training Versus Dual-task Training

Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide and commonly results in impaired proprioception, balance deficits, reduced functional mobility, gait disturbances, and increased fall risk, particularly in chronic stroke patients. Stroke survivors often experience decreased sensory-motor integration, impaired postural control, reduced coordination, and difficulty performing dual tasks during daily activities, all of which negatively affect independence and quality of life. Sensorimotor training focuses on improving proprioception, neuromuscular control, balance, and postural stability through sensory and motor integration exercises, whereas dual-task training emphasizes simultaneous performance of motor and cognitive tasks to improve cognitive-motor coordination, gait performance, dynamic balance, and functional mobility. The aim of this study is to determine the comparative effects of sensorimotor training and dual-task training on proprioception, balance, functional mobility, and fall risk in chronic stroke patients. This study will be a randomized clinical trial. A non-probability convenience sampling technique will be used to recruit 54 participants diagnosed with chronic stroke. This study will be conducted at Nishtar Hospital, Multan and District Headquarter Hospital, Rajnapur. Participants will be randomly allocated into three groups through sealed opaque envelope method. Group A will receive sensorimotor training, Group B will receive dual-task training, while Group C will receive conventional physical therapy exercises. All groups will perform their respective exercise protocols for 30 minutes, three times a week for 8 weeks. Participants will be evaluated before and after the intervention through Joint Position Sense Test (JPS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Mini-BESTest, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) to assess the effects of interventions on proprioception, balance, functional mobility, and fall risk. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Inclusion criteria

• A diagnosis of stroke; ≥6 months after stroke onset
• Able to walk independently for at least 10 minutes
• Mini-BESTest score ≤21 indicating balance impairment.
• MoCA score ≥21 to confirm adequate cognitive function

Exclusion criteria

• Severe musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., advanced osteoarthritis, recent fractures) that significantly affect mobility or balance.
• Significant receptive or expressive aphasia
• Unstable heart or lung conditions preventing exercise.
• Active psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depression, schizophrenia)
• Not community-dwelling before the stroke event
• Involved in similar rehab or studies within the last 3 months