Impact of a dual task intervention on physical performance of older adults who practice physical exercise

Abstract

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.

Agility performance in healthy older adults is associated with handgrip strength and force development: results from a 1-year randomized controlled trial

“…Comparisons of these results with other studies that include handgrip strength have to be conducted carefully, as there is often no standardized approach applied [ 27 ]. In line with our results are those of a multicomponent training protocol including aerobic, flexibility, muscular strength, and balance exercises for 12 weeks [ 28 ]. The participants trained 50 min in each session and the strength exercise part included three times per week exercises for the lower and upper limbs using halters, weights or elastic band, sit to stand movements from a chair, step up and down, and lunges [ 28 ].…”

“…In line with our results are those of a multicomponent training protocol including aerobic, flexibility, muscular strength, and balance exercises for 12 weeks [ 28 ]. The participants trained 50 min in each session and the strength exercise part included three times per week exercises for the lower and upper limbs using halters, weights or elastic band, sit to stand movements from a chair, step up and down, and lunges [ 28 ]. No significant effects for handgrip strength were observed.…”

Efectos de un programa de entrenamiento multicomponente sobre indicadores de salud física y cognitiva de mujeres mayores

“…El EMC a través de la evidencia ha demostrado preservar la función física del adulto mayor con la práctica regular y sistemática de ejercicios físicos, principalmente, al contar con una combinación de ejercicios con énfasis en fuerza, resistencia, flexibilidad, coordinación motora y equilibrio (Medeiros et al, 2018).…”

Impact of Motor-Cognitive Interventions on Selected Gait and Balance Outcomes in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Two studies conducted motor-cognitive training with an incorporated cognitive task (Sápi et al, 2019, quality score = 3/11, Kinect balance training; Sadeghi et al, 2021, quality score = 6/11, balance training in virtual reality). On the other hand, the highest negative effect was found by Medeiros et al (2018) (quality score = 7/11), but it was still only a small negative effect. In the latter study, participants in the experimental group performed a combination of aerobic, flexibility, strength, and balance training while completing a cognitive task.…”