Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Therapy, Yonsei University, Wongu City, South Korea | [b] Department of Physical Therapy, Hampton University, Hampton, VA, USA
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Joshua (Sung) H. You, 234 Heoungup-Myon, MaeJi-Ri, Wonju City, Kangwon-do, Republic of S. Korea 220-710. Tel.: +33 760 2476; Fax: +33 760 2496; E-mail: [email protected]
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.
Keywords: Cognition, gait, elderly falls, rehabilitation
