A Review of Recent Advances in Cognitive-Motor Dual-Tasking for Parkinson's Disease Rehabilitation

Background: Parkinson's disease is primarily characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons, leading to significant impairments in movement. Initially, physical therapy was predominantly employed to address these motor issues through targeted rehabilitation exercises. However, recent research has indicated that cognitive training can enhance the quality of life for patients with Parkinson's. Consequently, some researchers have posited that the simultaneous engagement in computer-assisted motor and cognitive dual-task (CADT) may yield superior therapeutic outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed across various databases, and studies were selected following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on CADT rehabilitation interventions. Results: Dual-task training enhances Parkinson's disease (PD) rehabilitation by automating movements and minimizing secondary task interference. The inclusion of a sensor system provides real-time feedback to help patients make immediate adjustments during training. Furthermore, CADT promotes more vigorous participation and commitment to training exercises, especially those that are repetitive and can lead to patient boredom and demotivation. Virtual reality-tailored tasks, closely mirroring everyday challenges, facilitate more efficient patient adaptation post-rehabilitation. Conclusions: Although the current studies are limited by small sample sizes and low levels, CADT rehabilitation presents as a significant, effective, and potential strategy for PD.