Do motor-cognitive and motor-motor dual task training effect differently balance performance in older adults?

Key summary pointsAim The aim of this study was to compare the effect of motor-cognitive DTT (mCdtt) and motor-motor DTT (mMdtt) on balance, fear of falling, walking functionality and muscle strength in older adults. Findings The 8-week mCdtt and mMdtt program did not differ significantly in the balance fear of falling, walking functionality and muscle strength in older adults, however, both training programs had improved the balance ability. Thus, both DTTs can be suggested to use for enhancing abovementioned parameters in older adults. Message Future studies with the systematic DTT program, longer intervention duration and a follow-up period comparing the mCdtt and mMdtt should be planned to elucidate the difference of clinical outcomes between the mCdtt and mMdtt program in older adults. Purpose Dual-task training (DTT) have been showed that have satisfying effects on older adults. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of motor-cognitive DTT (mCdtt) and motor-motor DTT (mMdtt) on balance, fear of falling, walking functionality and muscle strength in older adults. Methods A total of 50 participants aged 60 and over (mean age: 67.72 +/- 7.33 years), having a score >= 24 on the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), being in the category of walking ability >= 4 according to the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC), having no problem in visual ability and hearing were included for this study. The participants who received mCdtt (Group 1) counted back from the two-digit number; and the participants who received mMdtt (Group 2) held half-filled glasses with both hands near the trunk with 90 degrees flexion of elbow while performing exercises. The intervention program had lasted for 8 weeks. To assess balance, fear of falling, walking functionality and muscle strength of participants; Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the Hand-held dynamometer were used, respectively. Results The results of our study showed that 8-week mCdtt and mMdtt program did not differ in balance fear of falling, walking functionality and muscle strength in older adults, although both trainings had improved balance ability. Conclusion It can be interpreted that both training programs can be suggested to enhance abovementioned parameters in older adults. Further studies are needed to elucidate the difference of clinical outcomes between the mCdtt and mMdtt program in older adults. Date of registration 09/30/2020 "Retrospectively registered".