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A Journey Through Multiple Tasks - Dual Tasking in Physiotherapy

Hey. I had a great opportunity today to use again one of my favorite techniques.

As your friendly physiotherapy blogger, I’ve embarked on a mission to shed light on a fascinating rehabilitation strategy: dual tasking I consistently call "double tasking". Nobody who is checking on me can find it in the Google. So, grab your cup of coffee (or tea) and let’s dive in with me.


What is Dual Tasking?

At its core, dual tasking involves performing two tasks at once as in the name. It sounds simple, but for many of my patients, especially those recovering from conditions like stroke or MS (Multiple Sclerosis) noticed, juggling two tasks can be a challenge. I always ask to picture yourself trying to balance on one foot while solving a math problem or walking backwards with bouncing exercise ball in the same time singing your favorite shower song. The brain is working overtime, coordinating both cognitive (thinking) and motor (movement) tasks.


Stages of Dual Tasking:


Single Tasking First: Before introducing dual tasks, it’s essential to be proficient at single tasks. This means you should be comfortable with each task on its own before combining them. Level of proficiency depends on your observations, how well you know patient and outcome mesures you can use to asses. Just remember - it must be performed safely.


Controlled Dual Tasking: Introduce a secondary task in a controlled environment. For example, walking while holding a tray during physiotherapy .


Automatic Dual Tasking: As proficiency grows, the individual can perform dual tasks more naturally, like walking and talking in a busy street or in the room full of obsticles on the way with TV on.


Why we physios asking patients to Embrace Dual Tasking ?


Because Enhance Balance !!! Dual tasking challenges the body’s balance, especially when one of the tasks is physical. Over time, this can improve an your stability and reduce the risk of falls.

Motor Skill Refinement: It combines fine ( little movement ) and gross ( large movement) motor tasks, leading to better coordination and muscle strength recovery.

Cognitive Boost: Dual tasking isn’t just physical; it also requires significant mental effort, promoting cognitive recovery.


But here’s the kicker: while dual tasking is instrumental in stroke rehabilitation, its benefits are not limited to stroke patients alone!


The Universality of Dual Tasking

Time to learn, its not only about a stroke.

With Parkinson’s Disease patients often face motor challenges. Introducing dual tasks can help in motor skill development and improve gait and balance.

With Elderly Population works as well. Remember. Aging often brings a decline in cognitive and motor functions. Dual tasking can serve as a preventive measure to slow down these declines and enhance multitasking abilities.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) just like stroke survivors, can benefit from dual tasking to improve both cognitive and motor functions.

And last but not least, Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS patients often experience motor and cognitive deficits. Dual task exercises can aid in enhancing multitasking abilities, improving balance, and refining motor skills, making daily tasks easier.


Dual tasking is akin to the secret ingredient of Mr. Krab's from the SpongeBob cartoon. Those who observe closely will recognize its resemblance to dual tasking in the realm of rehabilitation. When you know what it is you know how to embrace it and make a most from it. Through the magic of dual tasking, and by harnessing its potential, we help patients move one step closer to their normal lives.

Stay curious and keep moving forward! And Backwards ( as in the last blog post mentioned)


Dont forget to visit my profile on the tiktok and other social media.






References:

1. Plummer, P., Eskes, G., & Wallace, S. (2013). Cognitive-motor interference during functional mobility after stroke: state of the science and implications for future research. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

2. Shumway-Cook, A., & Woollacott, M. (2007). Motor control: Translating research into clinical practice. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

3. Yogev-Seligmann, G., Hausdorff, J. M., & Giladi, N. (2008). The role of executive function and attention in gait. Movement disorders.


1 Comment


Samreena Kamran
Aug 08, 2023

Now that’s just amazing. Brilliant to watch a patient’s progress and how wonderful he is. I know I am your impatient patient but seeing this pic kind of gives me patience…🤣🤣 Wow I’m loving his journey…

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