Effect of a Dual-task Intervention Program on Physical and Cognitive Function

Effect of a Dual-task Intervention Program on Physical and Cognitive Function in Institutionalized Older Adults: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Aim: to compare the effects of single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) training on physical and cognitive function in institutionalized older adults in 1 month.

Methods: Participants were assigned randomly into two groups, ST (multicomponent physical exercise) and DT training (multicomponent physical exercise + cognitive tasks). Both groups performed the exercise three times per week for 1 month. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), handgrip strength, Barthel Index and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to assess physical and cognitive performance, respectively. Variables were measured at the beginning (V1),at the end of the exercise (V2), as well as one month later (V3). Paired Student's t-test and lineal logistic regressions models were used to explore the effect of the exercise interventions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Institutionalized older people between 65 and 75
• mild to moderate cognitive impairment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute or chronic pathologies that prevent exercise