Objective To analyze the educational characteristics of physical therapy in universities of United States, and provide reference for the international development of rehabilitation therapy education in China.Methods Based on the data collected from the official websites of three universities in the United States and the databases at home and abroad, combined with the author's learning experience, the characteristics of physical therapy education in universities of United States in detail was analyzed.Results Characteristics of physical therapy education in universities of United States had strict accreditation system, course objectives oriented by practicing competence, comprehensive curriculum plan, educational concept of student-centered, high level of teaching informatization, diversified teaching and learning evaluation system, which conformed to the goal of rehabilitation competency of World Health Organization.Conclusion Physical therapy education in United States has remarkable characteristics and a well-developed system, which has certain reference value for China.

Objective To observe the effects of dual-task motor training on motor and balance function for stroke patients. Methods From January, 2016 to June, 2017, 30 patients with stroke were assigned randomly into control group (n = 15) and treatment group (n = 15). Both groups accepted routine physical therapy, the control group accepted anti-gravity treadmill training, while the treatment group accepted dual-task training with anti-gravity treadmill, for four weeks. They were measured with balance training and evaluation system, and assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-lower extremity (FMA-L), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and modified Barthel Index (MBI), before and after treatment. Results The range of swaying on X axial (Rx) and Y axial (Ry), as well as rectangle area (RecArea) decreased after treatment in the treatment group (t > 4.719, P < 0.001), while RecArea decreased in the control group (t = 5.069, P < 0.001). Ry and RecArea were less in the treatment group than in the control group (t > 2.288, P < 0.05). The scores of FMA-L, BBS and MBI improved after treatment in both groups (t > 7.316, P < 0.001), and improved more in the treatment group than in the control group (t > 2.322, P < 0.05). Conclusion The dual-task training via anti-gravity treadmill may improve motor and balance function in stroke patients, and promote the activities of daily living.