Aim: to compare the effects of single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) training on physical and cognitive function in institutionalized older adults in 1 month. Methods: Participants were assigned randomly into two groups, ST (multicomponent physical exercise) and DT training (multicomponent physical exercise + cognitive tasks). Both groups performed the exercise three times per week for 1 month. Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), handgrip strength, Barthel Index and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to assess physical and cognitive performance, respectively. Variables were measured at the beginning (V1),at the end of the exercise (V2), as well as one month later (V3). Paired Student's t-test and lineal logistic regressions models were used to explore the effect of the exercise interventions.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
24
Single-task (ST) training group developed an exercise program based on Functional Exercise Circuit (FEC) protocol. This exercise program has been published previously12, which considered 15 different exercises in a functional exercise circuit.
DT training (multicomponent physical exercise + cognitive tasks)
Universidad de las Americas
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan, Chile
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
The SPPB is a battery of tests that include: the 4-meter walking test (4MWT) performed at usual pace, the 5-times sit-to-stand test (5STS), and Romberg balance test, assessing the ability of standing upright in three progressively standing conditions (feet together, semi-tandem and full-tandem) for a maximum period of ten seconds. SPPB scores range from 0 (inability to complete the test) to 4 (best performance), obtaining a total score ranging from 0 (worst performance) to 12 (best performance)14.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
MoCA15 was used to assess cognitive status. This test evaluates older adults' attention, language, calculation, orientation, construction, visual and memory. This test has been validated in Spanish16and has cut-off scores adjusted to the Chilean population17. maximum score is 30 points, where 26 points or more is considered normal
Time frame: 4 weeks
Barthel Index
Disability status was assessed by the Barthel Index18. This test measures the individual's independence in Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADLs). Barthel Index classifies individuals in four categories: severe disability (scores from 0 to 60), moderate disability (scores from 65 to 85), mild disability (from 90 to 95) and no disability (scores of 100).
Time frame: 4 weeks
Isometric Handgrip Strength (IHS)
IHS in both hands were evaluated by using a hydraulic JAMAR dynamometer (J. A. Preston Corporation, Clifton, NJ, USA) following standard procedures19. The best of two performances with one minute of resting between them was registered.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Immobility Syndrome Scale
Staging of dismobility was assessed by the tool proposed by Dinamarca (ETADI) 20. ETADI tries to classify older individuals according to their immobility level: stage 1 corresponds to the level in which the patient can spend most of the day in standing, stage 2, sedentary, and stages 3, 4 and 5 correspond to the substages of bed rest. Sub-stage "A" is related to greater independence and "B" to greater dependence on the patient.
Time frame: 4 weeks
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