Effects of dual-task training and exercise-cognitive activity combined training on gait speed and cognitive skills in older adults: A randomised controlled trial study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of dual-task and exercise-cognitive activity combined training on gait speed and cognitive skills in older adults. Materials and Method: Forty-five volunteers were recruited. Participants were divided into 3 groups which consisted of i) a single-task performing balance and gait exercises ii) a dualtask training group performing cognitive activity with simultaneous balance and gait exercises and iii) an exercise-cognitive activity combined training group performing balance and gait activity asynchronously at different times during the same day. Gait speed under single-task and dual-task conditions were obtained at the onset and end of training period. Cognitive skills were assessed by Mini Mental, Stroop, Verbal Fluency, and Clock Drawing tests. Results: All groups improved on gait speed under single-task condition. However, only cognitive activity performing groups showed a significant increase in gait speed under dual-task condition. Comparing pre- and post-intervention performances, dual-task and exercise-cognitive activity combined training groups showed a significant improvement in Stroop, Mini Mental, Verbal Fluency, and Clock Drawing test scores with respect to preintervention (p<0.05, paired t-test). The increase in Stroop and Verbal Fluency test scores post-intervention was significantly higher for exercise-cognitive activity combined training group when compared to dual-task training group (p<0.05). Exercise induced increase in gait speed correlated with improvements in cognitive skills for all groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results suggest that daily living activities which require dual-tasks may be improved to a better extent by performing cognitive, balance, and gait activity training asynchronously at different times during the same day when compared with dual-task training.