Effectiveness of Self-Administered Dual-Task Training in Improving Balance and Reducing Falls Among Older Adults: A Multicenter Randomized Control Trial.
Mohammad Jobair Khan, Kenneth N K Fong, Thomson Wai-Lung Wong et al.
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In 30 seconds
This multicenter randomized controlled trial compared self-administered dual-task training with self-administered single-task training in 216 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older who had fallen at least once in the previous 6 months. Both groups completed 36 sessions over 12 weeks, including six supervised workshops. Falls decreased in both groups, but the dual-task group had a lower fall rate than the single-task group (incidence rate ratio: 0.47; 95% CI, 0.34-0.64; P < .001). The dual-task group also showed improvements in selected health, cognition, and balance outcomes.
Key findings
- The dual-task group had a lower fall rate than the single-task group (incidence rate ratio: 0.47; 95% CI, 0.34-0.64; P < .001).
- Immediately after training, the dual-task group showed between-group improvements in general health and global cognition.
- Within the dual-task group, dynamic balance, standard Time Up and Go, and global cognition improved immediately and at long-term follow-up.
- No adverse events were recorded.
Why it matters
Falls are a key concern for older adults with a recent fall history. This trial suggests that a self-administered dual-task programme, delivered with some supervised workshops, may reduce falls more than self-administered single-task training and may also benefit selected functional and cognitive outcomes. The findings provide evidence about a training approach that can be undertaken outside fully supervised sessions.
What to keep in mind
The comparison was with single-task training rather than usual care, which the authors identify as a need for future studies.