Yaşlı bireylerde tek-görev, çift-görev ve ardışık fiziksel-bilişsel eğitimin düşme riski ve denge performansı üzerine etkileri: randomize çalışma

Purpose: This study was to examine the effects of single-task, dual-task and successive physical-cognitive training on fall risk, balance and gait performances in older adults. Methods: A total of 45 healthy older adults (73.0±4.6 years; 6 male and 39 female) underwent one of three interventions. Group-1 performed single-task balance and gait exercises. Group-2 performed cognitive activity, balance and gait exercises simultaneously. Group-3 performed successive cognitive activities and balance and gait exercises. Gait speed under single-task and dual-task conditions, Timed up and Go test, Berg Balance Scale and Tinetti's Falls Efficacy Scale scores were evaluated before and after 4 weeks of interventions. Results: Gait speed under single-task condition, Berg Balance Scale and Timed up and Go test scores were improved in all groups (p<0.05). Gait speed under dual-task condition was improved in Groups-2 and 3 (p<0.05). Group-3 had greater improvement in Timed up and Go test and Berg Balance Scale scores than Group-2. Tinetti's Falls Efficacy Scale was improved in Group-1 and 3 after training while the improvement was greater in Group-3 (p=0.001). Conclusion: The present study suggest that an intervention involving cognitive and physical activities results in greater improvement in gait speed than interventions involving physical activities alone. However, successive physical-cognitive training may be more effective in improving balance skills and reducing fear of fall in elderly.