Although dual-task training for improving postural balance is an emerging interest area, the effects of dual tasks and dual-task training on static and dynamic postural stability remain unclear. Even though variable (alternating) instructional priority dual-task training has been shown higher effect than fixed (concurrent) priority dual-task training approach to improving the balance impairments, we must consider in everyday pragmatic situations, motor, and cognitive tasks are often demanded simultaneously and this requires an individual's attention toward an external source of attention while performing a primary task. Then, our rationale for this study is older adults who underwent a training protocol composed of a dual task with variable and fixed instructional priority will achieve better improvements regarding the studied variables in comparison to the group who will be submitted a protocol composed only by dual-task with variable priority training. Therefore, this protocol for a six-month, double-blind, randomized controlled trial with six-month follow-up post-training analyzed whether examine whether a dual-task protocol training with progression from variable priority to fixed priority instructions is effective in improvement of gait biomechanics, postural balance, falls episodes, executive functioning and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults.
This study analyzed the effect of different modalities of dual-task training in the improvement of gait biomechanics, postural balance, falls episodes, executive functioning, and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. Half of the participants have undertaken a dual-task protocol training with progression from variable-priority to fixed-priority instructions, while the other half have undertaken a dual-task protocol training under variable-priority instructions.