Effectiveness of Task-Oriented Gait Training in Post-Stroke Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background:
Stroke-related gait impairment is a major contributor to long-term disability and reduced community participation. Conventional gait rehabilitation often improves impairments but may not sufficiently translate into functional walking gains. Task-oriented gait training, grounded in motor learning and neuroplasticity principles, emphasizes repetitive, goal-directed walking tasks that resemble real-life mobility demands and may offer superior functional outcomes.

Objective:
To determine the effectiveness of task-oriented gait training compared with conventional rehabilitation in improving gait speed, balance, and functional mobility among post-stroke patients.

Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted across tertiary care hospitals and rehabilitation centers in Lahore, Pakistan. Sixty post-stroke patients were randomly allocated to either a task-oriented gait training group or a conventional rehabilitation group. Both groups received intervention five days per week for six weeks. Outcome measures included gait speed assessed by the 10-Meter Walk Test, balance measured using the Berg Balance Scale, and functional mobility evaluated through the Timed Up and Go Test. Data were analyzed using paired and independent sample t-tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results:
Both groups demonstrated significant post-intervention improvements; however, the task-oriented group achieved greater gains across all outcomes. Mean gait speed increased from 0.46 ± 0.12 m/s to 0.72 ± 0.15 m/s in the task-oriented group compared with 0.48 ± 0.11 m/s to 0.60 ± 0.14 m/s in the conventional group (p = 0.003). Balance and functional mobility also improved significantly in favor of task-oriented training (p < 0.01).

Conclusion:
Task-oriented gait training was more effective than conventional rehabilitation in enhancing gait, balance, and functional mobility in post-stroke patients, supporting its integration into routine neurological rehabilitation practice.

Keywords:
Balance, Gait Training, Mobility, Rehabilitation, Stroke, Task-Oriented Therapy, Walking