title: A randomized controlled pilot study assessing the feasibility of combined motor-cognitive training and its effect on gait characteristics in the elderly.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  (1) To develop a motor-cognition training programme; (2) to evaluate the ability to recruit and retain elderly people; (3) to assess the effects of the interventions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pilot randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Assisted living facility.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen subjects (11 female) living in an assisted living facility were randomized to a motor or motor-cognition group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Both groups received machine-driven strength training and balance exercises for 45 minutes, twice weekly, for 12 weeks. In addition, the motor-cognition group received computerized training for attention 3-5 times per week for 10 weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Baseline and post-intervention (12 weeks) assessments focused on recruitment, attrition and adherence. Secondary outcome measures assessed dual-task costs of gait (velocity, cadence, step time, step length), expanded timed get-up-and-go, falls efficacy and reaction time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 35 subjects initially approached, 16 started and 14 completed the study, resulting in 46% recruitment, 19% attrition and >80% adherence rates. There is more evidence of altered levels in the motor-cognitive treatment group with significant differences in average change for fear of falling (P = 0.017) and foot reaction time (P = 0.046). No statistical significance was reached for gait parameters.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Motor-cognition training is feasible and shows trends to stronger improvement in walking and reaction time. The application in a main study is deemed feasible. A minimum of ± 55 subjects per group are required to achieve a power of 80% at the 5% level of significance based on step length and considering the expectable attrition rate in a required larger scale study.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, Department Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, CH, Switzerland. debruin@move.biol.ethz.ch
authors.forename: Eling D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: de Bruin
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: van Het Reve
authors.forename: Kurt
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Murer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D040561:Assisted Living Facilities; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D013557:Switzerland