The purpose of this single-blinded three-armed randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effect of different task prioritization during dual task training on dual task performance.
Introduction: Many activities of daily livings involve performing two tasks simultaneously, i.e. dual tasking. Performing dual task increases the demand on attentional resources, which may further decrease the dual task performance, especially in older adults. According to capacity sharing theory, the two tasks compete and influence with each other due to limited attention and information processing capacity. It has been noted that task prioritization during dual tasking may influence the dual task performance. Previous study indicated that supraposture-focus strategy resulted in better posture and task performance in older people. On the other hand, it is known that dual task training improved dual task performance. However, the effects of applying task prioritization during dual task training have not yet been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different task prioritization during dual task training on dual task performance. Methods: Participants will be randomized into three groups: posture-focus, supraposture-focus and control group. Participants will receive a total of 12 sessions of cognitive dual task training with different prioritization strategies, i.e. prioritization on posture, cognitive or neither task. Walking and task performance during dual task walking, executive function, and balance performance will be assessed before and after the interventions (pre- and post-test).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
39
All participants will receive cognitive dual task training for 30 min/session, 2-3 sessions/week for 4-6 weeks (a total of 12 sessions). The cognitive dual task training includes 15 min of cognitive task combining with standing task and 15 min of cognitive task combining with walking task. The differences among group are the instructions of task prioritization given by the therapist
National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
Taipei, Taiwan
RECRUITINGDual task walking performance assessment- speed (m/s)
Using GaitUp system to evaluate gait speed during cognitive and motor dual task walking
Time frame: Change from baseline dual task walking speed and up to 6 weeks (pre- and post-test)
Dual task walking performance assessment- cadence (steps/min)
Using GaitUp system to evaluate cadence during cognitive and motor dual task walking
Time frame: Change from baseline dual task walking cadence and up to 6 weeks (pre- and post-test)
Dual task walking performance assessment- stride length variability (CV, %)
Using GaitUp system to evaluate stride length variability during cognitive and motor dual task walking
Time frame: Change from baseline dual task walking stride length variability and up to 6 weeks (pre- and post-test)
Dual task walking performance assessment- stride time variability (CV, %)
Using GaitUp system to evaluate stride time variability during cognitive and motor dual task walking
Time frame: Change from baseline dual task walking stride time variability and up to 6 weeks (pre- and post-test)
Rate of dual task cost- gait speed (%)
Using the dual and single task walking speed to calculate the dual task cost of gait speed
Time frame: Change from baseline dual task cost and up to 6 weeks (pre- and post-test)
Trail Making Test
Use Trail Making Test (TMT)-Chinese version to indicate executive function. The duration for completing the test will be measured, and the shorter duration means the better executive function.
Time frame: Change from baseline Trail Making Test and up to 6 weeks (pre- and post-test)
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Berg Balance Scale
Use Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to assess balance performance. Berg balance scale scoring ranges from 0 to 56. The higher scores indicate better balance performance.
Time frame: Change from baseline Berg Balance Scale and up to 6 weeks (pre- and post-test)
Single task walking performance assessment- speed (m/s)
Using GaitUp system to evaluate gait speed during single walking
Time frame: Change from baseline single task walking speed and up to 6 weeks (pre- and post-test)
Single task walking performance assessment- cadence (steps/min)
Using GaitUp system to evaluate cadence during single walking
Time frame: Change from baseline single task walking cadence and up to 6 weeks (pre- and post-test)
Single task walking performance assessment- stride length variability (CV, %)
Using GaitUp system to evaluate stride length variability during single walking
Time frame: Change from baseline single task walking stride length variability and up to 6 weeks (pre- and post-test)
Single task walking performance assessment- stride time variability (CV, %)
Using GaitUp system to evaluate stride time variability during single walking
Time frame: Change from baseline dual task walking stride time variability and up to 6 weeks (pre- and post-test)
Cognitive dual task walking performance assessment- correct number (times)
The number of the correct answer for serially subtracting "7" from a predefined 3-digit number during cognitive dual task walking task will be recorded.
Time frame: Change from baseline cognitive dual task walking performance and up to 6 weeks (pre- and post-test)
Motor dual task walking performance assessment- number of go (pieces)
The number of successfully transferred go pieces from one side to another during motor dual task walking task will be recorded.
Time frame: Change from baseline motor dual task walking performance and up to 6 weeks (pre- and post-test)