Cognitive and balance dual-task training for middle-aged and older individuals with schizophrenia: a three-arm randomized controlled trial.
Hsing-Yu Chen, Li-Ting Wang, Jyh-Jong Chang et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This single-blind, three-arm randomized controlled trial evaluated cognitive-and-balance dual-task training using CogBals in 84 middle-aged and older adults with schizophrenia recruited from psychiatric rehabilitation centers in Taiwan. Participants were assigned to CogBals training, balance-only training, or treatment as usual; both training groups attended sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. Balance improved in both training groups compared with usual care. Compared with balance-only training, CogBals produced greater improvement in Timed Up and Go motor dual-task performance (p=.009), walking speed (p=.010), and stride length (p=.014) during fast walking.
Key findings
- Mini-BESTest balance scores improved in both training groups compared with treatment as usual.
- CogBals outperformed balance-only training on Timed Up and Go motor dual-task performance (p=.009).
- Under fast walking conditions, CogBals produced greater improvements in walking speed (p=.010) and stride length (p=.014) than balance-only training.
- The treatment-as-usual group had a significant decline in balance function; no harms events were identified.
Why it matters
Balance deficits and increased fall risk are concerns in people with schizophrenia. This trial suggests that combining cognitive and balance tasks may improve selected balance and walking outcomes beyond balance training alone, while both training approaches improved measured balance compared with usual care. These findings provide a rationale for further evaluation of dual-task rehabilitation in this population.
What to keep in mind
The study assessed outcomes after a 12-week intervention; long-term effects and applicability to other populations remain uncertain.