Effects of two different dual-task training protocols on gait, balance, and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults: a 24-week randomized controlled trial

Francis Trombini-Souza; Vitória Thaysa Gomes de Moura; Lucas Willian Nunes da Silva; Iara Dos Santos Leal; Cleber Anderson Nascimento; Paloma Sthefane Teles Silva; Monica Rodrigues Perracini; Isabel Cn Sacco; Rodrigo Cappato de Araújo; Marcelo de Maio Nascimento

doi:10.7717/peerj.15030

Effects of two different dual-task training protocols on gait, balance, and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults: a 24-week randomized controlled trial

PeerJ. 2023 Apr 21:11:e15030. doi: 10.7717/peerj.15030. eCollection 2023.

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil.
² Master's and Doctoral Programs in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance, University of Pernambuco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil.
³ Master's and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
⁴ School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
⁵ Department of Physical Education, Federal University of São Francisco Valley, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Abstract

Background: Although alternating dual-task (ADT) training is functionally easier for older adults, a large part of the motor and cognitive tasks is simultaneously performed, especially during activities of daily living that require maintaining body balance.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of mixed dual-task training on mobility, cognitive function, and balance in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: Sixty participants were randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio into the experimental group-single motor task (SMT) and simultaneous dual task (SDT) interchangeably in stage 1 (for 12 weeks) and after strictly with SDT in stage 2 (the last 12 weeks)-or into the control group-only SMT and SDT interchangeably in stages 1 and 2. Gait parameters were acquired by two inertial sensors. Physical and cognitive performance were acquired by specific questionnaires. Generalized linear mixed models were used for analyzing interaction and main effects.

Results: No between-group difference was observed for gait performance. Both protocols improved mobility (mean change ((MC) = 0.74)), dual-task effect (MC = -13.50), lower limb function (MC = 4.44), static (MC = -0.61), and dynamic balance (MC = -0.23), body sway (MC = 4.80), and cognitive function (MC = 41.69).

Conclusion: Both dual-task training protocols improved these outcomes.

Keywords: Cognition; Dual task; Gait; Postural balance.

Publication types

Clinical Trial
Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Activities of Daily Living
Aged
Cognition
Exercise Therapy* / methods
Gait
Humans
Independent Living*
Postural Balance

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) (Grant number: MCT/CNPq 423805/2016–9) and by the Foundation for the Support of Science and Technology of the State of Pernambuco (FACEPE) for the scientific initiation scholarship granted to Vitória Thaysa Gomes de Moura (Grant number: BIC-0910-4.08/19). The article processing charge was funded by the Coordination of Superior Level Staff Improvement (CAPES) (Grant number: 88881.638195/2021-01). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.