Effects of Training on Fall Risk and Balance Performances

Effects of Dual-Task Training and Exercise-Cognitive Activity Combined Training on Fall Risk and Balance Performance in Elderly at Risk of Falls: A Randomised Controlled Trial Study

Dual task training has been shown to reduce the risk of falls more than single task training. However, there have been no studies which compared the effects of single task training, dual task training and asynchronous cognitive, balance exercise training during same day on the risk of falls among healthy older individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate differences among the effects of single task training, dual task training and exercise-cognitive activity combined training on balance and gait performances and fall risk in elderly at risk of fall.

The term "dual task" refers to the ability of performing 2 tasks simultaneously, for example, a cognitive and a motor task. Previous studies demonstrated that dual task training is more effective than single task training in reducing falls among elderly. These studies demonstrated that the improvements in balance and gait speed resulted in a decrease of fall frequency. Although dual task training has been shown to reduce the risk of falls more than single task training, to date, there have been no studies which compared the effects of single task training, dual task training and asynchronous cognitive, balance exercise training during same day on the risk of falls among healthy older individuals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate differences among the effects of single task training, dual task training and exercise-cognitive activity combined training on balance and gait performances and fall risk in elderly at risk of fall.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 65 years or older
• literate
• having a fall incident during the past year
• ability to walk 10 meter without any support
• getting more than 13.5 seconds at Timed up and Go test
• getting less than 24 points at Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination

Exclusion Criteria:

• neurological or musculoskeletal diagnosis such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease,
• orthopaedic involvement or significant visual and auditory impairments