Integrated medical approach and dual-task training: comprehensive strategy to reduce fall risk in older adults

Abstract

Objective: An integrated medical approach combined with dual-task training (DTT) has emerged as a promising intervention for reducing fall risk in this population. This study investigated the effectiveness of an integrated exercise regimen that combines physical therapy, Thai hermit exercise, Tai Chi Chuan, and cognitive stimulation (DTT) to improve postural stability, gait performance, and cognitive-motor coordination in older adults.

Materials and Methods: Forty-eight community-dwelling participants aged between 60–80 years were randomized to either integrated exercise training (IET) or stretching exercise (SE). Both groups were asked to exercise 45 minutes 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The balance performance was assessed by the Timed up and go test (TUG), for dual-task performance was assessed by TUG with cognitive, and TUG with motor test, for the cognitive assessment were conducted by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA). All variables were analyzed to compare pre and post-exercise training after 4 weeks using the independent sample t-test.

Results: After training, the IET group found a significant decrease in the timing of TUG with cognitive (p = 0.01) and significant difference between the IET group and SE group was found in TUG (p = 0.01), TUG with cognitive (p = 0.01), and TUG with motor (p = 0.01) test, whereas MOCA did not exhibit significant changes between groups after training.

Conclusion: Integrated exercise with dual-task training, which simultaneously engages physical and cognitive tasks, has shown a potential to improve balance performance with dual-task factors in fall prevention in older adults.