Comparison of Single Task and Dual Task Balance Training on the Quality of Life of Elderly with Balance Impairment

Abstract

Background: Aging is the decline in efficiency of various physiological processes which is continuesand irreversible. The age related changes affect maintenance of balance control in steady state balance,reactive balance and anticipatory balance. The purpose of the study was to find out the effectiveness ofsingle task and dual task balance training in improving the quality of life among elderly with impairedbalance.Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of single and dual task training in improving the quality oflife of elderly with balance impairment and to compare the single and dual task balance training inelderly with impaired balanceStudy Design: Pre-post experimental study designMethod Thirty-four elderly adults with impaired balance were assigned into two groups, one groupunderwent single task training and other dual task training of about 4 weeks. Baseline measurementwere taken pre and post training by using TUG, BBS and SF-36.Results: Dual task training was more effective in improving quality of life and balance in elder adultswith impaired balance than the single task training. The TUG scores showed improvement in both thegroups. The group which performed dual task training showed significant difference from pre to postmeasure that with mean 0.51(p=0.005). The single task training group showed an improvement of mean0.337(p=0.069). The SF-36 score showed significant improvement in both the groups except certaincomponents.Conclusion: Dual task training improves quality of life and balance in elderly adults with impairedbalance than single task training.