The effect of single-task and dual-task balance exercise programs on balance performance in adults with osteoporosis: a randomized controlled preliminary trial

Osteoporosis is a serious disease characterized by muscle weakness in the lower extremities, shortened length of trunk, and increased dorsal kyphosis leading to poor balance performance. Although balance impairment increases in adults with osteoporosis, falls and fall-related injuries have been shown to occur mainly during the dual-task performance. Several studies have shown that dual-task performance was improved with specific repetitive dual-task exercises. Introduction The aims of this study were to compare the effect of single-and dual-task balance exercise programs on static balance, dynamic balance, and activity-specific balance confidence in adults with osteoporosis and to assess the effectiveness of dual-task balance training on gait speed under dual-task conditions. Methods Older adults (N = 42) (age range, 45-88 years) with osteoporosis were randomly assigned into two groups. Single-task balance training group was given single-task balance exercises for 4 weeks, whereas dual-task balance training group received dual-task balance exercises. Participants received 45 min individualized training session, three times a week. Static balance was evaluated by one-leg stance (OLS) and a kinesthetic ability trainer (KAT) device. Dynamic balance was measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Time Up and Go (TUG) test, and gait speed. Self-confidence was assessed with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC-6) scale. Assessments were performed at baseline and after the 4-week program. Results At the end of the treatment periods, KAT score, BBS score, time in OLS and TUG, gait speeds under single-and dual-task conditions, and ABC-6 scale scores improved significantly in all patients (p<0.05). However, BBS and gait speeds under single-and dual-task conditions showed significantly greater improvement in the dual-task balance training group than in the single-task balance training group (p<0.05). ABC-6 scale scores improved more in the single-task balance training group than in the dual-task balance training group (p<0.05). Conclusions A 4-week single-and dual-task balance exercise programs are effective in improving static balance, dynamic balance, and balance confidence during daily activities in older adults with osteoporosis. However, single-and dual-task gait speeds showed greater improvement following the application of a specific type of dual-task exercise programs.