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This study aimed to evaluate the effect of age and intellectual disability (ID) on postural balance parameters, dual-task cost (DTC), and choice reaction time (CRT). Fifty-eight individuals with ID and 55 peers without ID performed a postural stance balance task under two conditions: a single task with eyes open and dual task involving an additional cognitive task (light sequence). Four postural balance parameters (total displacement, total sway area, mediolateral, and anteroposterior dispersion), cost of the dual task ([DTC%] = [(single-task performance - dual-task performance)/single-task performance] × 100), and CRT were recorded, calculated, and analyzed. All postural control parameters reflected poorerperformance during the dual-task condition, nevertheless, DTC was significantly higher only in individuals with ID and only for the total sway area, F(1, 111) = 5.039, p = .027, and mediolateral dispersion, F(1, 111) = 6.576, p = .012. CRT was longer in individuals with ID compared with the individuals without ID, F(1, 111) = 94.979, p ≤ .001, while age did not have a significant effect on the DTC nor on the CRT, F(1, 111) = 0.074, p = .786. In conclusion, an additional cognitive task during the postural balance task had a detrimental effect on various postural balance parameters, leading to increased DTC in terms of total sway area, mediolateral dispersion, and prolonged CRT in individuals with ID.

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a combined training program (CTP) in reducing the effects of dual tasking on the temporal parameters and kinematics of gait, as compared with single-task gait. A controlled, randomized, intervention study was performed in an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group attended three weekly CTP sessions for 24 weeks. Gait pattern was evaluated prior to the baseline intervention, at 12 weeks, and at 24 weeks (Repost). The sample was composed of 22 subjects diagnosed with multiple sclerosis with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 0-5.5. A total of 12 patients were allocated to the intervention group and another 10 to the control group. A three-dimensional photogrammetry scanner was connected to a selective attention system designed to present a dual-task gait condition. Dual tasking had an impact on all spatiotemporal parameters of gait, and the most remarkable effect of dual tasking was on double-support time, which increased by 9% with respect to normal walking. In contrast, dual tasking had a trivial effect on single-support time. The CTP was effective in reducing the effects of dual tasking on stride length and velocity of the center of mass after Repost of training (p < .05). The CTP reduced time in double-support phase, whereas single-support time increased after Repost of intervention. The application of the CTP had no effect on the cost of the double task after 12 weeks of intervention. It is suggested to increase the application time over Repost.