The study aims to evaluate the effects of balance training, with and without gaze stability exercises, on cognitive function, balance, and postural stability in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A randomized controlled trial with 30 participants will be conducted at Fauji Foundation Hospital and Chakwal. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving balance training with gaze stability exercises, and the other receiving balance training alone. Baseline, 4-week, and 8-week assessments will measure cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), balance (Berg Balance Scale), and mobility (Time Up and Go test). Training will consist of 24 sessions over 8 weeks, with sessions lasting 30-50 minutes.
OBJECTIVES OF STUDY 1. To determine the effects of balance training with and without gaze stability exercises on cognitive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. 2. To determine the effects of balance training with and without gaze stability exercises on balance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. 3. To determine the effects of balance training with and without gaze stability exercises on mobility in older adults with mild cognitive impairment HYPOTHESIS ALTERNATE HYPOTHESIS 1. HA- There is a statistically significant difference in effect of balance training with gaze stability exercises in comparison balance training alone on cognitive function in older adults with MCI. (p\<0.05) 2. HA- There is a statistically significant difference in effect of balance training with gaze stability exercises in comparison balance training alone on balance in older adults with MCI. (p\<0.05) 3. HA- There is a statistically significant difference in effect of balance training with gaze stability exercises in comparison balance training alone on dynamic postural stability in older adults with MCI. (p\<0.05) NULL HYPOTHESIS 1. H0 - There is no statistically significant difference in effect of balance training with gaze stability exercises in comparison balance training alone on cognitive function in older adults with MCI. (p\>0.05) 2. H0 - There is no statistically significant difference in effect of balance training with gaze stability exercises in comparison balance training alone on balance in older adults with MCI. (p\>0.05) 3. H0 - There is no statistically significant difference in effect of balance training with gaze stability exercises in comparison balance training alone on dynamic postural stability/mobility in older adults with MCI. (p\>0.05) Research Design: Experimental study. Randomized Control Trial Clinical setting: Chakwal Study duration: 6 months Data will be collected on Demographics and general information Cognitive function will be assessed with the help of MOCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale). Balance will be assessed with the help of BBS (Berg Balance Scale). Dynamic postural stability will be assessed with the help of TUG (Time Up and Go test). SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a major risk factor for dementia among older adults, although research into its neurological features is limited. Addressing this gap is crucial given the interrelationship of balance issues and cognitive decline. Combining balance training with gaze stability exercises provides a comprehensive intervention method that shows potential for improving both balance and cognitive function. Studies have highlighted the potential benefits of these therapies for improving overall well-being and functional independence in older persons with MCI. Investigating their combined effects provides valuable insights into optimizing rehabilitation strategies for cognitive function, balance, and dynamic postural stability, thereby contributing to improving quality of life and reducing fall risk in this vulnerable population. This research aims to add data to the existing literature , exploring tailored interventions that address both physical and cognitive aspects simultaneously. By providing understanding on the effectiveness of such interventions, this study seeks to enhance the care and management of older adults with MCI, ultimately promoting better outcomes and quality of life for this population.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
32
It includes participants receiving balance training for mild cognitive impairment. Balance training Walking on a flat surface at the beginning of each session for 5-10 minutes Perform different static and dynamic balance exercises along with cognitive tasks. Static standing with feet together with eyes open and closed Semi-tandem stand and tandem stand Forward and backward weight shift exercises Counting backwards by threes, Naming object or animals, Recalling a short sequence of numbers or words. Side stepping, marching, forward and backward walking Hip extension and abduction Cognitive task includes word association or simple math problems. Standing on one leg Relaxation and breathing exercises including deep inhaling and exhaling or walking slowly at the end of each session for 5-10 minutes During training sessions, balance activities and cognitive tasks will be implemented simultaneously.
It includes participants receiving balance training combined with gaze stability exercises for mild cognitive impairment. Balance training Walking on a flat surface at the beginning of each session for 5-10 minutes Perform different static and dynamic balance exercises along with cognitive tasks. Static standing with feet together with eyes open and closed Semi-tandem stand and tandem stand Forward and backward weight shift exercises Counting backwards by threes, Naming object or animals, Recalling a short sequence of numbers or words. Side stepping, marching, forward and backward walking Hip extension and abduction Cognitive task includes word association or simple math problems. Standing on one leg Relaxation and breathing exercises including deep inhaling and exhaling or walking slowly at the end of each session for 5-10 minutes During training sessions, balance activities and cognitive tasks will be implemented simultaneously. Gaze stability exercises Visual tracking exercises
Foundation University College of Physical Thrapy
Islamabad, Pakistan
RECRUITINGCognitive function
Cognitive function will be assesed by using montreal cognitive assessment scale. It has a total score of 30, with higher numbers indicating better Cognition Function. A normal score is regarded to be 26 or higher. 18-25 = mild cognitive impairment
Time frame: 8 weeks
Balance
Balance will be assessed by using berg balance scale. It is a 14-item objective measure. It is a widely used tool for assessing balance in various populations. The scoring system ranges from 0 to 56, where higher scores indicate better balance. Total scores of 0 to 20 indicate a high risk for falls, 21 to 40 indicate a moderate risk, and 41 to 56 indicate a low risk in adults.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Dynamic Postural Stability
Dynamic Postural Stability will be assessed by using time up and go test. It assesses mobility, balance, walking ability, and fall risk in older adults. It is administered in less than 3 minutes. Scoring of \< 10 seconds is considered normal. As the time duration to complete the test increases the risk of fall increases indicating poor dynamic postural stability and mobility.
Time frame: 8 weeks
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