Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about the benefits of using dual-task in assessing and rehabbing brain injuries. The typical definition of dual-task is doing two things at once, but doctors also want to assess a patient’s motor skills while completing cognitive tasks. This may bring out more deficiencies that were not seen in single-task skills, which often occurs following concussions. The brain is very good at compensating for deficiencies following injury or inflammation, and dual tasking can help eliminate that compensation. We can then use dual-task methods in rehab to create more cognitive demand and increase the brain’s processing. Check out the video for more in depth information on why dual tasking is used in assessment and rehab!
Howell DR, Kirkwood MW, Provance A, Iverson GL, Meehan WP 3rd. Using concurrent gait and cognitive assessments to identify impairments after concussion: a narrative review. Concussion. 2018;3(1):CNC54.
