Benefits of a Dual-Task Training on Motor and Cognitive Functions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Controlled Clinical Trial.

Objective: The aim of the study is to verify the effects of a 3-mo dual-task training on motor and cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults. Design: In this prospective, single-blinded, controlled clinical trial, a total of 40 participants were allocated to either the experimental or the control (no-exercise) group. The intervention program consisted of a combination of motor and cognitive exercises conducted twice a week on nonconsecutive days. The main outcome measures were postural stability, mobility, fear of falling, and cognitive functions. Multiple analyses of variancewere used to assess the impact of the dual-task training. Effect sizes (η²p) were reported. Significance was set at 5%. Results: Compared with the control group, participants who underwent the dual-task training showed positive outcomes in terms of postural stability (η²p = 0.298, P = 0.020), mobility (η²p = 0.285, P = 0.003), and cognitive functions (η²p = 0.536, P = 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of the fear of falling (P = 0.566). Conclusions: Three-month dual-task training was beneficial for postural control, mobility, and cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults. Based on the present findings, healthcare professionals should consider incorporating dual-task training into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]