Dual-task training with progression from variable- to fixed-priority instructions versus dual-task training with variable-priority on gait speed in community-dwelling older adults: A protocol for a randomized controlled trial : Variable- and fixed-priority dual-task for older adults.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of progressive dual-task training (variable- to fixed-priority instructions) versus variable-priority dual-task training on gait speed and other functional outcomes in older adults.
Results Summary
The study protocol describes a rigorous randomized controlled trial design but does not report specific results, as it appears to be a study protocol rather than a completed study. The intended outcomes include gait speed, postural balance, executive function, falls, and quality of life.
Population
Community-dwelling older adults aged 60-80 years.
Effective Dosage
48 sessions of 60 minutes each over 24 weeks.
Duration
24 weeks (with an additional 6-month follow-up).
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
progressive dual-task training in which the participants will be progressively submitted to dual-task walking and postural balance exercises with variable- to fixed-priority instructions | increase | gait speed | community-dwelling older adults | - | aiming to evaluate the effectiveness | #1 |
progressive dual-task training in which the participants will be progressively submitted to dual-task walking and postural balance exercises with variable- to fixed-priority instructions | improve | gait biomechanics | community-dwelling older adults | - | aiming to evaluate the effectiveness | #2 |
progressive dual-task training in which the participants will be progressively submitted to dual-task walking and postural balance exercises with variable- to fixed-priority instructions | improve | postural balance | community-dwelling older adults | - | aiming to evaluate the effectiveness | #3 |
progressive dual-task training in which the participants will be progressively submitted to dual-task walking and postural balance exercises with variable- to fixed-priority instructions | decrease | falls episodes | community-dwelling older adults | - | aiming to evaluate the effectiveness | #4 |
progressive dual-task training in which the participants will be progressively submitted to dual-task walking and postural balance exercises with variable- to fixed-priority instructions | improve | executive functioning | community-dwelling older adults | - | aiming to evaluate the effectiveness | #5 |
progressive dual-task training in which the participants will be progressively submitted to dual-task walking and postural balance exercises with variable- to fixed-priority instructions | improve | quality of life | community-dwelling older adults | - | aiming to evaluate the effectiveness | #6 |
progressive dual-task training in which the participants will be progressively submitted to dual-task walking and postural balance exercises with variable- to fixed-priority instructions | increase | gait speed | community-dwelling older adults | - | can be implemented widely to improve | #7 |
progressive dual-task training in which the participants will be progressively submitted to dual-task walking and postural balance exercises with variable- to fixed-priority instructions | improve | other functional activities | community-dwelling older adults | - | can be implemented widely to improve | #8 |
progressive dual-task training in which the participants will be progressively submitted to dual-task walking and postural balance exercises with variable- to fixed-priority instructions | improve | quality of life | community-dwelling older adults | - | can be implemented widely to improve | #9 |
BACKGROUND: Functional independence and safe mobility, especially in older people, mostly rely on the ability to perform dual tasks, particularly during activities with variable- and fixed-priority attention. The aim of this study is to compare the dual-task training with progression from variable- to fixed-priority instructions versus dual-task training with variable-priority on gait speed in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This is an assessor- and participant-blinded, two-arm, randomized controlled trial with 60 community-dwelling male and female older adults between the ages of 60 and 80 years old. Participants will be randomly allocated into either the intervention group or the control group using a computer-generated permuted block randomization schedule. The intervention group will undertake a progressive dual-task training in which the participants will be progressively submitted to dual-task walking and postural balance exercises with variable- to fixed-priority instructions. The control group will be submitted to dual-task training with variable-priority attention exercises. Both groups will receive 48 sessions lasting for 60 min each over 24 weeks. The primary outcome will be the gait speed under single- and dual-task conditions. Secondary outcomes will include spatiotemporal gait parameters, functional balance, executive function, falls, quality of life, and depression symptoms. All the analyses will be based on the intention-to-treat principle. DISCUSSION: This is the first assessor- and participant-blinded, two-arm, randomized controlled trial with 6 months of intervention and an additional 6-month post-training follow up aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of training with progression from variable- to fixed-priority instructions on gait biomechanics, postural balance, falls episodes, executive functioning, and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. If our hypotheses are confirmed, this training protocol can be implemented widely to improve gait speed and other functional activities and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. This study protocol can be used to improve these functional aspects of community-dwelling older adults. This study may also contribute to future guidelines for the improvement of these clinical and biomechanical aspects in older people. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier - NCT03886805, Registered 22 March 2019.