Balance, Dual-task, Gait, Older Adults (65 Years and Older), Older Adults, Balance, Quality of Life (QOL)
Conditions
Keywords
Balance, Gait, Older adults, Quality of life, dual-task training, Variable-priority dual-task training
Brief summary
This clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of variable-priority dual-task training on balance, gait, and quality of life in Chinese elderly women, exploring more effective training methods to help healthy elderly women improve balance and gait performance, reduce fall rates, and enhance quality of life. The trial primarily seeks to address the following questions: H01: Between the three intervention groups (VPDT, FPDT, and PT), there are no statistically significant differences in balance among healthy older Chinese women at baseline (T1), week 6 (T2), or week 12 (T3). H02: Between the three intervention groups (VPDT, FPDT, and PT), there are no statistically significant differences in gait among healthy older Chinese women at baseline (T1), week 6 (T2), or week 12 (T3). H03: Between the three intervention groups (VPDT, FPDT, and PT), there are no statistically significant differences in QoL among healthy older Chinese women at baseline (T1), week 6 (T2), or week 12 (T3). Researchers will compare variable-priority dual-task training with a placebo (fixed-priority dual-task training and physical training) to determine whether variable-priority dual-task training effectively improves balance, gait, and quality of life in Chinese elderly women. Participants will: Undergo three 60-minute training sessions per week for 12 weeks; Each session combines concurrent cognitive and physical training, with slight variations in content across the three groups; Outcome measurements will be taken at baseline, week 6 post-intervention, and week 12 post-intervention.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALVariable-Priority Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Training
Intervention Description (VPDT): Participants will receive variable-priority cognitive-motor dual-task training (VPDT) for 12 weeks. Training will be delivered in supervised sessions 3 times/week, 60 minutes/session, in a small group format. Each session combines functional balance and gait tasks (e.g., sit-to-stand, obstacle negotiation, line walking, turning, transfers) with concurrent cognitive tasks (e.g., serial subtraction/1-back/semantic fluency). Variable-priority instructions are used: participants are coached to flexibly shift attention between the motor and cognitive task across repetitions/blocks, with individualized cueing. Attendance is recorded each session; adverse events are monitored and managed according to a predefined safety protocol.
BEHAVIORALFixed-Priority Cognitive-Motor Dual-Task Training
Intervention Description (FPDT): Participants will receive fixed-priority cognitive-motor dual-task training (FPDT) for 12 weeks, supervised 3 times/week, 60 minutes/session. The motor tasks and cognitive tasks are matched to the VPDT group in type and total practice time. Fixed-priority instructions are used: participants are instructed to maintain equal and consistent attention to both tasks simultaneously throughout training, without shifting priorities across blocks. Progression and safety monitoring follow the same principles as VPDT. Attendance and adverse events are documented.
BEHAVIORALPhsical training
The PT group first performed a 10-minute warm-up exercise. Then, in the order of the exercise tasks, they performed sit-ups, stand-ups, seated rowing, object transfer, obstacle avoidance, and connected walking training. Finally, a 10-minute relaxation activity was performed. Session duration, weekly frequency, and supervision were matched across the VPDT and FPDT groups, but PT consisted only of single-task exercises (no cognitive tasks or priority instructions).
Sponsors
Yu Xiao
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
65 Years to 90 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
(1) age ≥65 years; (2) no severe visual or hearing impairments; (3) no limb disabilities or physical mobility impairments, able to stand and walk independently without the use of walking aids; (4) no neurological diseases or cognitive impairment; (5) MoCA score ≥26; (6) informed consent and voluntary participation.
Exclusion criteria
(1) severe cardiovascular, pulmonary, or musculoskeletal system diseases; (2) neurological diseases severely affecting balance function, such as stroke or Parkinson's disease; (3) mental illnesses such as depression or use of psychiatric medications; (4) need for assistive devices for walking; (5) simultaneous participation in other clinical trials.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Dual-Task 10-Meter Walk Test | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks |
| 10-Meter Walk Test | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks |
| Timed Up and Go Test | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks |
| Dual-Task Timed Up and Go Test | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks |
| Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks |
| Single-Legged Closed-Eyed Standing Test | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks |
| Berg Balance Scale | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks |
| Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 36-Item Short Form of Health Survey | From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks |
Countries
China
Outcome results
None listed