Abstract
[Purpose] To investigate the effects of task prioritization on dual-task performance of patients with stroke. [Subjects] Forty-seven subjects with stroke who were able to walk independently or under supervision. [Method] The dual-task was the 10 m walking test while enouncing 3-digit numbers backwards (backward digit span). Dual-task performance was measured under two different conditions: paying attention equally to both walking and backward digit span (Dual-Task Complex: DTC), and paying attention mainly to backward digit span (Dual-Task backward digit span: DTB). [Result] Walking speed and cadence decreased, and the number of all answers and correct answers increased in DTB compared with DTC. [Conclusion] It is necessary to clearly specify the task prioritization, when we use dual-task as a predictor of falls or measure the walking ability of patients with stroke.
