The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the addition of a dual task to multicomponent training on cognition of active older adults. Eighty physically active older adults were divided into an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). Both groups performed multicomponent training over 12 weeks. The IG simultaneously performed exercises and cognitive tasks. The Mini-Mental State Examination, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the Clock Drawing Test were used for cognitive assessments. The Timed Up and Go Test associated with a cognitive task was used for dual-task assessment. Significant interactions were not observed between groups in terms of the cognitive variables or the dual-task performance. An interaction was observed only for Timed Up and Go Test performance, which was better in the CG than in the IG. Active older adults showed no improvement in cognition following the addition of the dual task to the multicomponent training.
HighlightsFrailty can compromise the integration of postural control systems.This impairment becomes evident after sitting and rising from a chair.The impairment occurs in the frontal and sagittal planes in frail elderly people.
Physical exercises, especially multicomponent training, can improve cognitive functions and physical impairments in older adults. The aim this study was to purpose of this two-arm clinical trial was to investigate the effects of the addition of a dual task to multicomponent training on physical performances of community-dwelling older adults who practice physical exercise. Seventy-one older adults were divided into a control group (CG) and intervention group (IG). Participants of the CG performed isolated multicomponent training, participants of the IG performed multicomponent training associated with cognitive tasks and both protocols lasted 12 weeks. The assessment consisted of flexibility, handgrip strength, lower limb strength, balance, functional mobility and aerobic capacity. The CG presented greater flexibility than the IG, regardless of time. There was a worse performance in lower limb strength, regardless of group. The addition of a dual task to the multicomponent training was not able to improve physical performances of older adults. Further studies are needed to confirm whether the dual task training contributes to both cognitive and physical benefits in older adults who practice physical exercise.
Identifying gait and balance disorders in the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) could reduce or prevent falls in older adults. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine which mobility tests best discriminate the risk of falls in MCI and mild AD. Functional mobility was assessed by the timed up and go test (TUG) and 10-meter walk test (10MWT). A calendar of falls was produced, with follow-up via telephone calls during 6 months. For the MCI Group (n=38), time spent on the 10MWT was the best variable for discriminating fallers, with a cut-off point of 10.69 seconds associated with the highest accuracy (76.3%). In the AD Group (n=37), 10MWT cadence was the best variable for discriminating fallers, with a cut-off point of 101.39 steps per minute associated with an accuracy of 81.1%. As a conclusion, 10MWT time and cadence were the most accurate variables for screening the risk of falls in MCI and mild AD, respectively. The 10MWT is a functional, simple and easy test and it should be widely used in clinical practice.
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