Effects of Dual Task Prioritization Training on Dual Task Walking in Older People

Effects of Dual Task Prioritization Training on Dual Task Walking in Older People: A Single-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this single-blinded three-armed randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effect of different task prioritization during dual task training on dual task performance.

Introduction: Many activities of daily livings involve performing two tasks simultaneously, i.e. dual tasking. Performing dual task increases the demand on attentional resources, which may further decrease the dual task performance, especially in older adults. According to capacity sharing theory, the two tasks compete and influence with each other due to limited attention and information processing capacity. It has been noted that task prioritization during dual tasking may influence the dual task performance. Previous study indicated that supraposture-focus strategy resulted in better posture and task performance in older people. On the other hand, it is known that dual task training improved dual task performance. However, the effects of applying task prioritization during dual task training have not yet been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different task prioritization during dual task training on dual task performance.

Methods: Participants will be randomized into three groups: posture-focus, supraposture-focus and control group. Participants will receive a total of 12 sessions of cognitive dual task training with different prioritization strategies, i.e. prioritization on posture, cognitive or neither task. Walking and task performance during dual task walking, executive function, and balance performance will be assessed before and after the interventions (pre- and post-test).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 65 years old
• MMSE scores > 24

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable health conditions
• Any neurological, psychological disease or diagnosis of learning disability which interferes the participation in this study