TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2015//
TI  - Feasibility study of dual-task-managing training to improve gait performance of older adults
JO  - Aging clinical and experimental research
A1  - Wollesen, Bettina
A1  - Voelcker-Rehage, Claudia
A1  - Willer, Jasmin
A1  - Zech, Astrid
A1  - Mattes, Klaus
SP  - 447
EP  - 455
VL  - 27
IS  - 4
N2  - INTRODUCTION: Dual task (DT) training is becoming prominent in fall prevention. However, DT training should include task-managing strategies like task switching or task prioritization to be beneficial to improve gait performance under DT conditions. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effect of a task managing training on gait stability. <br><br>METHODS: A DT training (12 sessions; 60 min each; 12 weeks) was compared to a non-training control group within a RCT (38 independent living participants; 72.7 ± 4.7 years). Single Task (ST) and DT walking (visual verbal Stroop task) were measured on a treadmill (FDM-T, 3.5 km/h, 100 HZ). Gait parameters like step length, step width, gait line, maximum forces and gait variability were compared. <br><br>RESULTS: The training group improved their gait performance under ST and DT conditions as revealed by significant group × time interaction effects. <br><br>DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The training successfully improved gait performance and therefore might be a promising approach to prevent falls. Additional fall prevention studies should focus on motor-cognitive performance and reinforce outcomes of task managing strategies.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1594-0667
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40520-014-0301-4
ID  - ref1
ER  -