Dual-task Group Research Articles

The Effects of Physiotherapy Programmes, Aided by Virtual Reality Solutions, on Balance in Older Women: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Background: Modern technologies are being applied to maintain and improve the functional performance of older adults. Fully immersive virtual reality (VR) combined with a scope of dual-task (DT) activities may effectively complement conventional physiotherapy programmes for seniors. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a fully immersive virtual reality (VR) environment combined with a scope of dual-task activities regarding balance in older women. Methods: Eighty women were recruited to the study protocol and, following randomisation, allocated to two equally sized groups, one pursuing conventional OTAGO exercises, the other one the VR-solutions-aided exercise programme combined with a scope of DT activities. Physiotherapy sessions spanned 6 weeks, each one lasting 60 min, three times a week, in both groups. Results: Homogeneity analysis of both study groups indicated no statistically significant differences at the first measurement point. After the intervention, both study groups achieved significantly improved scores on all tests. The VR + DT group obtained better results in dual-task gait and single-leg standing, whereas the greatest difference was observed during SLS CL (1.52 s vs. 2.33 s-difference 0.81 s 53.2% change, p = 0.001). The OTAGO group performed better in the TUG single-task gait (11.35 s vs. 12.60 s, p < 0.001) and in the Berg balance scale. Conclusions: The VR + DT training is effective in improving individual balance as well as in reducing fall risks. VR-assisted physiotherapy should complement conventional physiotherapy programmes (e.g., OTAGO). The benefits of applying VR solutions indicate that older women might well use this form of activity regularly under the guidance of a therapist or a family member.

The Impact of Dual-Task Practice on Learning Jump-Rope Skills: Instructions Delivered via Mobile Technology

Background: Engaging in a motor task while multitasking can improve the process of learning that motor skill. Objectives: The aim of the research was to examine the impact of dual-task (DT) practice on learning jump rope skills with instructions delivered via mobile technology. Methods: In this study, N = 16 third-grade girls from Arak city (age mean: 9.5 ± 0.5), unfamiliar with the skill of rope-jumping participated. They were chosen using a convenience sampling method. This semi-experimental research employed a pre-test and post-test design with two experimental groups: DT and single-task (ST). Both groups underwent training for eight consecutive weeks, with two sessions per week. Data was collected using a questionnaire to measure roping quality and a 30-second speed test. The data was analyzed using the paired t-test and ANCOVA at a significant level (P ≤ 0.05), utilizing SPSS software version 26. Results: The results of the paired t-test showed that in both the DT and ST groups, the skill of jump rope increased from pre-test to post-test. Also, after removing the effect of the pre-test, the DT group performance was significantly better than the ST group at the post-test. Conclusions: Hence, it can be inferred that training under cognitive DT conditions can enhance the learning of jump rope skills.

Do proprioceptive training strategies with dual-task exercises positively influence gait parameters in chronic stroke? A systematic review.

This study aims to assess the impact of proprioceptive training strategies with dual-task exercises on gait in people with chronic stroke. Systematic review. Chronic stroke. Searches were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and PICOS criteria. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were systematically searched from November 2020 to February 2022, for eligible clinical trials. Two independent reviewers thoroughly screened potential articles for relevance and assessed the methodology quality. In accordance with the GRADE, PICOS criteria, and Cochrane risk of bias tools, the authors included articles concerning the effectiveness of dual-task in proprioceptive training on gait parameters in people with chronic stroke. Of 3075 identified studies, 11 articles met the inclusion criteria: 7 were randomized clinical trials, 1 was not randomized, and 3 were observational studies. The overall quality of evidence, assessed using the GRADE framework, was high, indicating a high level of confidence in the systematic review's findings. The papers involved 393 stroke patients; 241 underwent dual-task in proprioceptive training, with 152 participants in other stroke rehabilitation; within the dual-task group, 71 engaged in cognitive tasks, and 170 participated in motor tasks. dual-task in proprioceptive training improved gait speed, cadence, stride time, stride length, and step length. The best effects were observed with training 3 times a week for 4 weeks, with each session lasting 30 minutes, on speed, cadence, stride length, and step length. Current evidence suggests that proprioceptive training strategies with dual-task exercises improved walking abilities in people with chronic stroke. Specifically, it enhanced gait speed, a key indicator of clinical severity.

The Effect of Motor Dual -Task Balance Training on Balance and Gait of Elderly Women

BACKGROUND: Aging in its broadest sense is the continuous and irreversible decline in the efficiency of various physiological processes. India has second largest number of elderly (60+) in the world. One of the most common problems of elderly is fall. They are the cause of accidental death among people over 65 years of age and account for significant mortality and morbidity, including fractures, impaired mobility and decreased quality of life due to fear of falling and death. Balance is dynamic phenomenon that requires stability and mobility to be a good harmony and in order to properly maintain body balance, the ability to integrate the neurological and musculoskeletal system is important. Balance control is a necessary component of stable walking. Dual-task training is defined as the ability to perform two or more cognitive and motor activities simultaneously while maintaining postural control. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To study the effect of motor dual-task balance training on balance and gait of elderly women. METHODOLOGY: Thirty females were randomly selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and was divided into two groups – Group 1: Experimental group and Group 2: Control group. Both the groups were assessed for the berg balance scale and dynamic gait index. These parameters were assessed before the start of the program as pre-test values and at the end of 6 week as post-test values. Group 1 received motor dual task balance training and Group 2 conventional balance and gait training. RESULT: The mean age of group 1 was 67.4 years and group 2 was 67.07 years. The statistical analysis correlates the study by proposing that groups taken for study either group1 treated motor dual task balance training and Group 2 conventional balance and gait training.and also showed that group 1 treated with motor dual task balance training had higher significance when compared to group 2 treated with conventional balance and gait training. The mean improvement in BBS was 13.74 in group 1 and 10.66 in group 2. The mean improvement in DGI scores was 6.47 in group 1 and 3.73 in group 2. It was resulted that group 1 received motor dual task balance training had a superior effect over group 2 received conventional balance and gait training. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that motor dual task balance training had effective tool in improving balance and gait control and decreases tendency of falls in elderly women. KEY WORDS: Fall, Elderly, Balance, gait, BBS, DGI, motor dual task balance training, conventional balance and gait training.

Efficacy of a dual task protocol on neurophysiological and clinical outcomes in migraine: a randomized control trial

The main aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a dual task protocol in people with episodic migraine with respect to both active exercises only and cognitive task only treatments, concerning some neurophysiological and clinical outcomes. A randomized control trial was adopted in people with episodic migraine without aura. Some neurophysiological and clinical outcomes were collected (t0): resting motor threshold (rMT), short intracortical inhibition (SICI) and facilitation (ICF), pressure pain threshold (PPT), trail making test (TMT), frontal assessment battery (FAB), headache-related disability (MIDAS) and headache parameters. Then, participants were randomized into three groups: active exercise only (n = 10), cognitive task only (n = 10) and dual task protocol (n = 10). After 3 months of each treatment and after 1-month follow-up the same neurophysiological and clinical outcomes were revaluated. A significant time x group effect was only found for the trapezius muscle (p = 0.012, pη2 = 0.210), suggesting that PPT increased significantly only in active exercise and dual task protocol groups. A significant time effect was found for rMT (p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.473), MIDAS (p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.426), TMT (p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.338) and FAB (p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.462). A repeated measures ANOVA for SICI at 3 ms highlighted a statistically significant time effect for the dual task group (p < 0.001, pη2 = 0.629), but not for the active exercises group (p = 0.565, pη2 = 0.061), and for the cognitive training (p = 0.357, pη2 = 0.108). The dual task protocol seems to have a more evident effect on both habituation and sensitization outcomes than the two monotherapies taken alone in people with migraine.

The Effect of Different Dual-Task Balance Training Methods on Balance and Cognitive Function of Older Adults

Background: This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of different dual-task training methods on balance and cognitive function in the elderly. Methods: The participants in this study were 36 elderly individuals aged 65 years and older who met the research entry criteria. The selected individuals were divided into three groups, 12 people each, based on the pre-test Berg balance scores. The research groups included two dual-task balance training groups, one with fixed and one with variable priority, and a control group. The Berg balance test was used to assess functional balance in the elderly, and the serial reaction time test was used to assess cognitive function. Data analysis was conducted using covariance analysis and the Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: The data analysis showed no significant difference between the control group and the dual task groups with fixed and variable priority in the balance test. The serial reaction time test results indicated a significant difference between the control group and the dual-task practice groups with fixed and variable priority. Moreover, there was a significant difference between the two dual-task practice groups post-intervention. Conclusion: This research demonstrated that dual-task training, particularly with variable priority, resulted in faster information processing in the elderly. Therefore, it appears that, in addition to the theory of limited attention capacity, other mechanisms, such as the allocated attentional ability, can effectively impact cognitive performance.

Effect of Cognitive Processing Style on Attentional Blink during Analogue Trauma

Background: This study attempted to examine the impact of each cognitive processing style (bottom-up, top-down) on attention patterns following a traumatic experience by measuring attentional blink (AB).Methods: Participants were 37 university students with no direct experience of traffic accidents. They were randomly assigned to either a single-task (bottom-up processing) group or a dual-task (top-down processing) group, who performed the Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) after watching an analogue trauma video. The correct response rate to target stimuli was then compared between groups based on stimulus type and stimulus presentation interval.Results: In the dual-task group, no significant differences were found. However, in the single-task group, a trend towards a decrease in the correct response rate to the target stimulus was observed 200 ms after the presentation of the traumatic stimulus (i.e., AB).Conclusions: This tendency can be explained by the phenomenon of automatic attentional capture by traumatic stimuli, suggesting a relationship between bottom-up processing and attentional bias.

Cortical Changes of Dual Cognitive-Task Balance Training in Patients with Chronic Ankle Instability: A Randomized Trial.

Researchers have shown that patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) have deficits in memory and attention allocation. This functional deficit affects the lower extremity performance. Motor-cognitive dual-task training may improve lower limb dysfunction caused by central nervous system injury. Whether dual-task training is more favorable than single-task training for neuromuscular control in patients with single-task training still needs to be further proven. To determine whether balance-cognitive dual-task training can influence cortical activity and has more effective treatment effects than balance single-task training. Randomized controlled clinical trial (Clinical Trials: XXX). Rehabilitation training room. After recruitment, twenty-four patients with CAI (age=22.33±2.43 years, height=175.62±7.7 cm, mass=70.63±14.59 kg) were block randomized into two groups. Protocols were performed three times per week for six weeks. The single-task group underwent one-leg static balance training with and without vision and hopping balance training. The dual-task group underwent balance and cognitive training (backward counting task). The follow variables were assessed before and after the interventions: cortical activity, proprioception, muscle onset time, and dynamic balance. We performed MANOVAs to compare changes of main effects and interactions across groups and time. A post-hoc Bonferroni test was performed for pairwise comparisons when there were significant interactions with the MANOVAs. Twenty-four participants successfully completed the six-week interventions. Proprioception, peroneus longus muscle onset time, and dynamic postural control improved significantly after the interventions in both groups (P<0.05). Dual-task training was superior to single-task training in improving JPS plantarflexion, shortening peroneus longus muscle onset time, and altering cortical activity(P<0.05). A six-week balance training program or balance combined with cognitive training could improve the functional deficits associated with CAI. Meanwhile, the dual-task training could improve cortical activity and lower extremity function.

The Effectiveness of Goal-Oriented Dual Task Proprioceptive Training in Subacute Stroke: A Retrospective Observational Study.

To show the effectiveness of goal-oriented proprioceptive training in subacute stroke for balance, autonomy, and fall risk. Out a total of 35 patients, consistent in age (75.31±8.65 years), type of stroke (ischemic, 3 to 11 weeks before), and motor impairment, 18 patients underwent solely proprioceptive rehabilitation, the other 17 dual task exercises. The study assessed autonomy using Barthel Index, fall risk with Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), balance through Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Tinetti test. After two months, significant improvements were recorded in Barthel Index, BBS (p<0.0001), Tinetti test (p<0.0001 in dual task group, p=0.0029 in single task group), and TUG (p=0.0052 in dual task group, p=0.0020 in single task group) in both groups. Comparing the two groups, dual task group showed a significant difference in Tinetti balance assessment (p=0.0052), between the total score of Tinetti test and TUG in single (p=0.0271), and dual task (p=0.0235). Likewise, Tinetti gait test was significantly related to TUG in single (p=0.0536), and dual task (p=0.0466), while Tinetti balance test to Barthel Index (p=0.0394), BBS (p<0.0001), and TUG in single (p=0.0219), and dual task (p=0.0196). Lastly, there is a positive correlation of the use of aids with BBS (p=0.0074), and total score of Tinetti test (p=0.0160). In subacute stroke, goal-oriented proprioceptive training improved balance, but only partially autonomy. Furthermore, the use of aids after dual-task exercises improved recovery of balance, but did not reduced falls.

The effectiveness of two novel approaches to prevent intrusions: A pilot study comparing Tetris_dualtask and imagery rescripting to control

Background and objectivesPost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a global health problem. Although effective treatments for it exist, early interventions that prevent PTSD from developing are lacking. The aim of this pilot analogue trauma study was to compare the effects of two potential early intervention strategies, namely Tetris_dualtask and imagery rescripting (IR) to a no-intervention control group on intrusion frequency and the vividness and emotionality of aversive film memory. MethodsSixty healthy students were subjected to the trauma film paradigm and randomly allocated to either: Tetris_dualtask, IR or no-intervention. Main outcomes were the number of film-related intrusions at one week and vividness and emotionality ratings of the most aversive film memory. Secondary outcomes were PTSD-like symptoms, intrusion intensity, and explicit film memory. ResultsThe Tetris_dualtask group reported significant fewer intrusions compared to the no-intervention group; whereas the IR group did not. No effect was found on vividness and emotionality ratings, PTSD-like symptoms, intrusion intensity, and explicit memory. LimitationsThe sample size was small, and analogue trauma in healthy individuals was examined, thus generalizability may be limited. Also, to increase comparability between interventions, the duration of Tetris_dualtask and IR was standardized. As a result, the IR intervention was shorter compared to other studies, which might have decreased its efficacy. ConclusionsThe results of this pilot study suggest that playing Tetris during retrieval of traumatic images, might hold potential as an early intervention strategy to reduce intrusions in the early aftermath of trauma and adversity. However, future large-scale replication research is needed.

Aerobic physical exercise versus dual-task cognitive walking in cognitive rehabilitation of people with stroke: a randomized clinical trial.

Stroke is a neurological deficit caused by an acute focal injury to the central nervous system due to vascular injury that can result in loss of neurological function, lasting brain damage, long-term disability and, in some cases, death. The literature reports that aerobic physical exercise, as well as dual-task cognitive walking, are used for the cognitive recovery of people with stroke. We aimed to assess whether aerobic physical exercise influences post-stroke cognitive recovery, namely performance on selective and sustained attention. We tested the hypothesis that post-stroke aerobic physical exercise leads to more significant gains than post-stroke dual-task cognitive walking. We used a Randomized Clinical Trial, single-blind, parallel group, to verify the existence of differences between two groups. A total of 34 patients with subacute to chronic stroke were divided into two groups to train three times a week for 12 weeks: the aerobic physical exercise (PE) group engaged in 20 min on a treadmill, 20 min on a stationary bicycle and 5 min on a desk bike pedal exerciser per session; the dual-task (DT) gait exercise group walked for 45 min while simultaneously performing cognitive tasks per session. All participants were assessed on cognitive functioning with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and d2 Test of Attention before acute interventions and post interventions. We have also applied a Visual Analog Scale to monitor the participants' perceived difficulty, pre-, post-acute, and post-chronic interventions. Participants also responded to a Borg Scale of perceived exertion following the acute and the final session of chronic training. A mixed model ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect with a large effect size for most of the cognitive variables under study. The variables associated with the d2 Test of Attention showed significant differences between the groups, mainly from T0 to T2. Also for MMSE, an ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect with significant improvements from T0 to T2. Our results strongly suggest that aerobic physical exercise is more beneficial than dual-task cognitive-gait exercise since in the PE group, cognitive attention scores increase, and cognitive impairment and perception of exertion decrease, compared to the DT group. These findings support that PE provides more significant benefits for patients post-stroke when compared to DT.

Action observation and motor imagery improve motor imagery abilities in patients with Parkinson’s disease – A functional MRI study

IntroductionMotor imagery (MI) skills can be affected in Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed at assessing MI and brain functional changes after action observation and MI training (AOT-MI) associated with gait/balance exercises in PD patients with postural instability and gait disorders (PD-PIGD). MethodsTwenty-five PD-PIGD patients were randomized into two groups: DUAL-TASK + AOT-MI group performed 6-week gait/balance training combined with AOT-MI; DUAL-TASK group performed the same exercises without AOT-MI. Before and after training, MI was assessed using Kinesthetic-and-Visual-Imagery Questionnaire (KVIQ) and a MI functional MRI (fMRI) task. During fMRI, subjects were asked to watch first-person perspective videos representing gait/balance tasks and mentally simulate their execution. At baseline patients were compared with 23 healthy controls. ResultsPD groups did not differ in the MI scores. Both patient groups increased kinesthetic KVIQ score after training, while only DUAL-TASK + AOT-MI group improved visual and total KVIQ scores. At baseline, both PD groups showed reduced fMRI activity of sensorimotor, temporal and cerebellar areas relative to controls. After training, DUAL-TASK + AOT-MI patients increased activity of anterior cingulate, fronto-temporal and motor cerebellar areas, and reduced the recruitment of cognitive cerebellar regions. DUAL-TASK group showed increased recruitment of occipito-temporal areas and reduced activity of cerebellum crus-I. DUAL-TASK + AOT-MI relative to DUAL-TASK group had increased activity of cerebellum VIII-IX. In DUAL-TASK + AOT-MI group, KVIQ improvement correlated with increased activity of cerebellum IX and anterior cingulate, and with reduced activity of crus-I. ConclusionsAOT-MI improves MI abilities in PD-PIGD patients, promoting the functional plasticity of brain areas involved in MI processes and gait/balance control.

Dual-task multicomponent exercise-cognitive intervention improved cognitive function and functional fitness in older adults.

Maintaining cognitive and physical function is essential to healthy aging. This study aims to investigate the effect of an exercise-cognitive dual-task program in Chinese language on cognitive function and functional fitness in older adults. Seventy adults aged 60-84years were conveniently assigned to one of the three groups: exercise-cognitive dual-task (EC) group (n = 28), exercise group (n = 22), and control group (n = 20). The EC group received a 90-min class including multicomponent exercise-cognitive dual-task twice a week. The exercise group received a 90-min class including multicomponent exercise twice a week. The control group maintained their regular level of physical activity and general lifestyle. Cognitive functions and functional fitness were measured before and after the 12-week intervention. The participants in the EC and exercise group significantly improved scores in Taiwanese Frontal Assessment Battery, the Chang Gung University Orthographical Fluency Test, and the Mini-Mental State Examination; however, those in the control group did not. The participants in the EC and exercise group showed significant increases in almost all functional fitness tests. The participants in the EC group showed significantly higher improvements in Chang Gung University Orthographical Fluency Test score and aerobic endurance than the exercise group and in Chang Gung University Orthographical Fluency Test score and lower body strength than the control group. In addition, the changes in Taiwanese Frontal Assessment Battery and Mini-Mental State Examination scores were significantly correlated with the changes in functional fitness. The dual-task intervention resulted in greater improvements in verbal fluency, endurance, and muscular strength than exercise alone and control.

Dual-task versus single-task gait rehabilitation after stroke: the protocol of the cognitive-motor synergy multicenter, randomized, controlled superiority trial (SYNCOMOT)

BackgroundGait disorders and cognitive impairments are prime causes of disability and institutionalization after stroke. We hypothesized that relative to single-task gait rehabilitation (ST GR), cognitive-motor dual-task (DT) GR initiated at the subacute stage would be associated with greater improvements in ST and DT gait, balance, and cognitive performance, personal autonomy, disability, and quality of life in the short, medium and long terms after stroke.MethodsThis multicenter (n=12), two-arm, parallel-group, randomized (1:1), controlled clinical study is a superiority trial. With p<0.05, a power of 80%, and an expected loss to follow-up rate of 10%, the inclusion of 300 patients will be required to evidence a 0.1-m.s−1 gain in gait speed. Trial will include adult patients (18–90 years) in the subacute phase (0 to 6 months after a hemispheric stroke) and who are able to walk for 10 m (with or without a technical aid). Registered physiotherapists will deliver a standardized GR program (30 min three times a week, for 4 weeks). The GR program will comprise various DTs (phasic, executive function, praxis, memory, and spatial cognition tasks during gait) in the DT (experimental) group and gait exercises only in the ST (control) group. The primary outcome measure is gait speed 6 months after inclusion. The secondary outcomes are post-stroke impairments (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and the motor part of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the lower extremity), gait speed (10-m walking test), mobility and dynamic balance (timed up-and-go test), ST and DT cognitive function (the French adaptation of the harmonization standards neuropsychological battery, and eight cognitive-motor DTs), personal autonomy (functional independence measure), restrictions in participation (structured interview and the modified Rankin score), and health-related quality of life (on a visual analog scale). These variables will be assessed immediately after the end of the protocol (probing the short-term effect), 1 month thereafter (the medium-term effect), and 5 months thereafter (the long-term effect).DiscussionThe main study limitation is the open design. The trial will focus on a new GR program applicable at various stages after stroke and during neurological disease.Trial registrationNCT03009773. Registered on January 4, 2017.

Comparison of the effectiveness of exergame and dual task exercises on gait parameters and working memory and lower limb muscle strength in young elderly

The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of exergame and dual task exercises on gait parameters and lower limb muscle strength in young elderly. Participants in the training protocol included: 30 elderly aged 50-65 years. The training protocol lasted 18 sessions of 40 minutes and 6 weeks in two groups. The Exergame group played boxing and track and field games, and the dual task group practiced stepping exercises with 50-75% of the maximum beat along with the secondary cognitive task .According to the results of several components, of the lower limb muscle was improved and the effect of exergame was greater. The amount of changes recorded in the gait parameters indicates a lack of significant improvement in step length components stride length and a cadence. Also, the persistence of positive effects on the working memory component in the exergame group was slightly better.

Effects of Dual Task Training Versus PNF Pattern on Balance and Cognition in Geriatric Population

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of Dual task training versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) training on balance and cognition in geriatric population. There is growing evidence of the involvement of executive control in the maintenance of balance in older people. Balance is considered as one of the risk factors for fall especially in older adults. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation training is one of the effective way to maintaining balance. PNF pattern exercise can activate joint sense by moving almost all joints of the body simultaneously. This is an experimental design with pre and post comparative study. This was conducted in the Physiotherapy Outpatient department in ACS Medical College and Hospital. The study duration was about 12 weeks. The subjects between the age group of 65 – 85 years of both sex those without orthopedic problems were included in this study. The subjects with severe dementia, severe cardiac problems, who had undergone recent surgery were excluded from the study. 50 Geriatric individuals were selected and divided into two groups in which Group AReceived Dual Task Training and Group B received PNF training for a period of 12 weeks. The outcome measures were Balance and cognition. The outcome tools were Berg Balance Scale, Falls Efficacy Scale, Brief Cognitive Rating Scale and Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment Scale. On comparing Pretest and Post test within Group A and Group B on Fall Efficacy Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment and Brief Cognitive Rating Scale shows highly significant difference in Mean values at P &lt;0.001. Thus this study concludes that Dual Task training increases Balance and Cognition in Geriatric population

Effects of multicomponent and dual-task exercise on falls in nursing homes: The AgeingOn Dual-Task study

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of a multicomponent exercise program and a dual-task exercise program on the number of falls (fall rate) and number of fallers (fall incidence) and on parameters associated with fall risk in older adults living in long-term nursing homes (LTNH). Study designThis is a secondary analysis of a single-blind randomized controlled trial involving 85 older adults in nine LTNHs (Gipuzkoa, Spain). Participants allocated to the multicomponent group underwent a twice-a-week 3-month individualized and progressive resistance and balance program. The dual-task group performed simultaneous cognitive training with the same multicomponent exercises. Main outcomesFall rate and incidence were analyzed using Poisson regression (adjusting for cognitive function and previous fall rate) and Kaplan-Meier analysis, respectively. Handgrip asymmetry, single- and dual-task TUG velocity and cost were assessed using two-way ANOVA for repeated measures and paired Student's t-tests. ResultsThe dual-task group showed a 3.8 times greater risk of falling than the multicomponent group during the intervention, and a 2.59 times greater risk during the 12-month follow-up. There were no between-group differences in fall incidence. There were between-group differences in handgrip strength asymmetry in favor of the multicomponent group. While only the multicomponent group improved on the TUG test, the dual-task group improved on dual-task cost. ConclusionsCompared with the dual-task program, the multicomponent exercise program showed more benefits in reducing falls and in parameters associated with fall risk in LTNH residents. Future studies are warranted to confirm our results and continue to explore physical and cognitive interventions to prevent falls in LTNHs.Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000536268.

Additional cognitive load decreases performance but not adaptation to a visuomotor transformation

Dual-task paradigms are procedures for investigating interference with two tasks performed simultaneously. Studies that previously addressed dual-task paradigms within a visuomotor reaching task yielded mixed results. While some of the studies found evidence of cognitive interference, called dual-task costs, other studies did not. We assume that dual-task costs only manifest themselves within the explicit component of adaptation, as it involves cognitive resources for processing. We suspect the divergent findings to be due to the lack of differentiation between the explicit and implicit component. In this study, we aimed to investigate how a cognitive secondary task affects visuomotor adaptation overall and its different components, both during and after adaptation. In a series of posttests, we examined the explicit and implicit components separately. Eighty participants performed a center-outward reaching movement with a 30° cursor perturbation. Participants were either assigned to a single task group (ST) or a dual-task group (DT) with an additional auditory 1-back task. To further enhance our predicted effect of dual-task interference on the explicit component, we added a visual feedback delay condition to both groups (ST/DTDEL). In the other condition, participants received visual feedback immediately after movement termination (ST/DTNoDEL).While there were clear dual-task costs during the practice phase, there were no dual-task effects on any of the posttest measures. On one hand, our findings suggest that dual-task costs in visuomotor adaptation tasks can occur with sufficient cognitive demand, and on the other hand, that cognitive constraints may affect motor performance but not necessarily motor adaptation.

Motor learning and working memory in children: The role of cognitive-motor and motor-motor dual-task training

The present study aims to examine the effects of two dual-task training methods (motor-motor and cognitive-motor) as well as a single task method on static and dynamic balance and also on the working memory in children. Forty-five children (all male; mean age 8.82 ? 0.83 years) were selected and randomly assigned into three experimental groups. In the pretest, posttest, and retention stages, the participants took static, and dynamic balance tests, as well as an n-back task. In the training stage, the participants practiced selected balance training tasks under dual-task motor-motor and motor-cognitive conditions as well as a single task over a period of four weeks at two sessions per week. The results of the paired samples t-test indicated that children in all groups improved their balance performance and working memory (p ? .05). The results of ANCOVA showed that the balance training group under motor-motor dual-task conditions outperformed the other two groups in terms of the dynamic balance scores (p ? .05). An improved performance was also observed for the cognitive-motor dual-task conditions compared to the single-task group (p ? .01). In terms of static balance and working memory, both dual-task groups, regardless of the types of their tasks, outperformed the single task group (p ? .05).

Dual-task intervention based on trail making test: Effects on Parkinson's disease

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention with dual task based on trail making test on gait, cognition and daily activities execution in individuals with Parkinson's disease. DesignRandomized controlled trial. Methodology10 individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD) were divided into dual task group (DTG) and control group (CG). Were realized 16 dual task (DT) training sessions based on the Trail Making Test (TMT) for DTG and a conventional training protocol for CG. Pre and post intervention assessments used the 6 minute walk test (T6), TMT, Katz Index and Falls Efficacy Scale (FES). ResultsComparing the difference between pre and post intervention values between groups, there was no significant difference for T6 (p=0,36). In TMT there was a significant difference (p=0,03), showing shorter times for DTG. The tests used for time values in the Katz index tasks showed an important difference for the DTG (P=0,02). As for the results of the FES, they did not show pre and post changes in the DTG (0,45) and in the CG (p= 0,29) and not even between the groups (p=0,45). ConclusionThe proposed intervention was able to promote improvements in the performance of daily life activities, learning adaptations and retention of motor and cognitive aspects, which may reflect positively in the daily lives of patients with PD and, consequently, greater autonomy to perform these types of activities.