Concern About Falling,Confidence in Balance,Quality of Life,and Depression Symptoms in Community-Dwelling Older Adults After a 24-week Dual-Task Training With Variable and Fixed Priority: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a 24-week dual-task training with progression from variable to fixed priority on the concern about falling, confidence in balance, quality of life, and depression symptoms in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

A total of 60 participants (60–80 y.o.) were randomly allocated into a dual-task training group with progression from variable to fixed priority (experimental group) or into a dual-task training group with variable priority (control group).

Results

No between-group difference was observed after the intervention. A significant time effect showed a reduction in concern about falling [mean difference (MD) = -2.91)] and depression symptoms (MD = −1.66), an increase in the physical function (MD = 7.86), overall mental health (MD = 5.82), perception of vitality, energy, and less fatigue (MD = 10.45), general perception of overall health (MD = 6.81), and their health compared to the last year (MD = 11.89).

Conclusion

The experimental protocol was not superior to the control one. However, both protocols improved these outcomes.