Effects of individual progressive single- and dual-task training on gait and cognition among older healthy adults: a randomized-controlled comparison study

Abstract

Purpose: Dual-task training has beneficial effects on older individuals for gait and cognition. This study was aimed to make a comparison between the effects of individual progressive single- and dual-task training on gait and cognition among healthy older individuals. Methods: A total of 32 participants were divided randomly into two groups as the single-task group (n = 16, 64.6 ± 3.3 years, 7 males and 9 females) and dual-task group (n = 16, 65.6 ± 2.6 years, 8 males and 8 females). The 10-m walk test with the LEGSys device was used to assess spatio-temporal gait parameters. The cognitive parameters were evaluated using the Standardized Mini-Mental State Exam and Stroop Test. An individual progressive 60 min single- and dual-task training programs were applied twice per week for a period of 6 weeks. Results: There were significant differences for both gait and cognition variables in the dual-task training group (p < 0.05), according to the comparison of pre- and post-treatment results. In the single-task training group, there were significant differences only in gait parameters with single-task conditions (p < 0.05). The comparisons of the delta values between the groups indicated that the dual-task training group was better compared to the single-task training group in gait speed, cadence, and many cognitive variables (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Individual progressive dual-task training is an effective and useful method that improves gait performance and cognitive skills among older individuals. Trial registration number and date: NCT03777111, 12/13/2018. © 2020, European Geriatric Medicine Society.