title: Effects of dual-task cognitive-gait intervention on memory and gait dynamics in older adults with a history of falls: a preliminary investigation.
abstract: The present study highlights the effects of the dual-task cognitive-gait intervention (CGI) on working memory and gait functions in older adults with a history of falls. Thirteen older adults with a history of falls were recruited from local community centers and randomly stratified into either the control (n = 5) or experimental (n = 8) group. The experimental group received the dual-task cognitive-motor intervention involving simultaneous motor (walking) and cognitive (memory recall) task whereas the control group received a placebo treatment (walking with simple music). The intervention was provided 30 minutes per session, over a 6-week period. Memory measures included a combination of word recall and arithmetic task. Gait function measures included velocity and center of pressure (COP) stability. Non-parametric tests were used at p < 0.05. The experimental group showed a greater memory performance than the control (p < 0.05). However, no significant intervention-related changes in gait velocity and stability were observed. Our findings provide the first evidence in literature to demonstrate that the long-term dual-task cognitive-motor intervention improved memory of older adults with a history of falls under the dual cognitive motor task condition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Yonsei University, Wongu City, South Korea. neurorehab@yonsei.ac.kr
authors.forename: Joshua H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: You
authors.forename: Anand
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shetty
authors.forename: Tawaih
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Kimberli
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shields
authors.forename: Yordanos
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Belay
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brown