Abstract

Background: Physical-cognitive dual tasking is an emerging novel modality for reaping the largest cognitive health benefits.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare effects of cognitive dual-task and conventional single-task training on balance and quality of life in older adults.

Methods: This Quasi-experimental study was conducted on 30 community-dwelling older adults after ethical approval from20th October 2021 to March 2022. Group A (Experimental) received physical, cognitive dual-task training. Group B received single-motor task training (Conventional Therapy). The  outcome measurement tools were the Berg Balance Scale and Quality of Life Index. The data was analyzed using SPSS 21. Depending upon normal  distribution, pretest and posttest comparisons were done with Parametric tests, and the p-value was set at 95% CI (p < 0.05).

Results: The current study comprised 15 (50%) males and 15 (50%) females, with amean age in Group A of 59.27 ± 3.73 and Group B of 62.13 ± 5.40 years. While 24 subjectswere hypertensive and 17were diabetic participants. The mean score difference within the Group showed that the pretest-posttest regarding balance in Group A was 3.20 ± 2.96, and in Group B was 1.0 ± 1.77 with a p-value < 0.05. However, Group A was better in outcomes balance compared to interventions in Group B. Similarly, the quality of life mean score improved significantly in Group A compared to B after six weeks of dual-task
training.

Conclusion: Physical and cognitive dual-task training shows better results than single-task training in improving balance and quality of life among the elderly population.