Effect of dual task training on balance and gait over regular and diversified land surfaces in independent elderly

Abstract

Introduction: Although most falls involve multiple factors, causes of falling are often categorized into intrinsic (personal) and extrinsic (environmental) factors. The dual-task method, which requires participants to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, has been used to investigate the effects of cognitive tasks or additional motor task on postural control and vice versa. The perfect implementation of this intervention will give the evaluative report of functional capacity levels and safety limits in the social life of the elderly population. Objective: To test the effects of combined dual tasking with the dual components of cognition-motor and motor-motor administered in both regular and diversified environments using the outcome parameter Tinetti balance assessment tool (Balance & Gait). Methods: 192 subjects randomly selected into two groups (dual-tasking on even & uneven surfaces) were included for the study. Tinetti balance assessment tool was used in 3 sessions of training. A 10-minute warm-up exercises followed by dual-task activity training which includes two components. i.e., cognitive-motor and motor-motor activity. Results: It was observed that the elderly slow down with gait parameters on diversified land surfaces and when performing a concurrent dual-task. Also, the elderly err on the side of safety and focus their anticipatory resources towards controlling balance. It is so important for physiotherapists to be aware of these strategies and incorporate them into the management of fall prevention among the elderly. Conclusion: The Dual-task activity training administered in both environmental conditions with safe progressive incremental levels is a motivational response for the elderly and easily predicts the physical difficulty levels.