Comparison of dual-task balance and power training in older adults

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of power training and dual-task balance training on single (ST) and dual-task (DT) condition postural sway and functionality, power, quality of life, confidence, and executive function. Participants were randomly assigned to a high-velocity (HV, n=5), dual-task (DT, n=9), or control (CG, n=8) group. The HV group trained at 40% 1RM in 5 different lower extremity exercises. The DT performed cognitive and physical tasks simultaneously. Both groups trained twice a week for 30 minutes over 16 weeks. Every 4 weeks, participants were tested on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Tekscan HR Mat SystemTM under ST and DT conditions, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), RAND-36, power, and Trail-Making Tests (TMT) parts A and B. Participants were tested t 4 weeks detraining. No significant group x time interactions occurred in average power (F(5, 21) = 1.52, p=.21), peak power (F(5, 21)= .33, p=0.75), average velocity (F(5, 19) = 1.61, p=.18), peak velocity (F(5, 19)= 1.86, p=.09), confidence, (F10, 21=1.64, p=.20), quality of life (QoL; F10, 21=1.87, p=.18), TMT-A (F8, 19=.81, p=.54) or B (F8, 21=1.59, p=.23), SPPB single-task (ST; F10, 19=1.25, p=.67) or DT scores (F10, 21=1.71, p=.11), ST(F8, 20=0.69, p=.70) or DT (F8, 20=1.48, p=.19) gait speed times or ST (F8, 15=1.10, p=.37) or DT (F8, 17=1.10, p=.37) chair stand times. A group x time interaction occurred for ML sway between the HV group and the DT (F(8, 20) = 1.61, p=.04). Meaningful improvements were seen in physical function among all groups, while the HV group experienced the greatest improvements in velocity and executive function. The DT group improved more on self-perceived outcomes of quality of life and balance-confidence, while the CG group experienced the greatest changes in DT outcomes. This could be due to less priority given to the cognitive task in this group. Further research should examine changes in perceived outcomes following DT training and executive function following HV training