Comparative Effects of Integrated Versus Sequential Approaches to Dual-Task Training in Elderly With Mild to Moderate Cognitive Impairment

The elderly population is rapidly growing as a result of the global increase in life expectancy, and age-related cognitive disorders are becoming more common. Dementia has become a major public health concern that greatly contributes to disability, dependence, and a lower quality of life among older adults worldwide It is commonly acknowledged that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a stage that lies between dementia and normal cognitive aging. While independence in the most fundamental aspects of daily life is largely maintained, it is characterized by an apparent decline in cognitive abilities, especially memory and executive functions, early intervention is crucial because people with MCI continue to have an elevated risk of developing Alzheimer's disease Physical decline, such as decreased gait speed, balance issues, muscle weakness, and a high risk of falls, is often associated with cognitive impairment in elderly individuals. Since shared neural pathways support both motor and cognitive functions, these physical impairments are closely associated with cognitive dysfunction Elderly people's functional independence and quality of life are severely compromised when cognitive decline and physical decline coexist Pharmacological treatments for dementia and cognitive impairment provide only slight symptom relief and are ineffective at stopping the progression of the disease, despite advancements in medical management. Because of this restriction, research attention is now more focused on non-pharmacological strategies to improve functional outcomes and postpone cognitive decline Given their ability to address both cognitive and motor deficits at the same time, combined cognitive and physical training approaches have drawn more attention in this context One effective rehabilitation technique is dual-task training, which involves performing cognitive and motor tasks simultaneously or sequentially. This method places significant demands on attentional control and executive functioning and reflects functional demands found in real life, such as walking while completing a cognitive task. Dual-task training increases prefrontal cortical activation, boosts neural efficiency, and encourages neuroplastic adaptations that support cognitive and motor function, according to neurophysiological evidence There are two main ways to deliver motor-cognitive training: sequential (successive) dual-task training and integrated (simultaneous) dual-task training. The simultaneous performance of cognitive and motor tasks is necessary for integrated training, which may improve executive control by increasing cognitive-motor interference. By using different learning mechanisms, sequential training, on the other hand, enables concentrated attention to each task and may promote neural consolidation and task automation Even though both strategies have shown positive results, the research so far has produced inconsistent findings about how effective they are in comparison, especially when it comes to older people with various levels of cognitive impairment. Furthermore, there aren't many carefully planned multi-arm randomized controlled trials that compare integrated and sequential dual-task training in groups of people with mild to moderate cognitive impairment.

Therefore, the current study uses a four-arm randomized controlled trial design to compare the effects of integrated versus sequential dual-task training in senior citizen with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. This study aims to determine the best intervention approach for strengthening cognitive function, increasing mobility, and encouraging functional independence in this expanding and vulnerable population by assessing cognitive, physical, and functional outcomes.