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Updated: Jun 21, 2025
A Computerized Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program Targeting Technology Based Everyday Functional Skills
Published on: February 13, 2020
Dual-task training is as effective as functional training on the functional fitness of older women: a randomized
José C Aragão-Santos1, David G Behm2, Tatiana R de Moura3
1Department of Physical Education, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Brazil.
Background:
The interest in approaches that improve older individuals' functional fitness and autonomy is increasing. However, the effects of dual-task training on older women's functional fitness and the comparison with the functional training approach are unclear. Therefore, we compared dual-task and functional training on the functional fitness of older women and the effects of three months of detraining.
Methods:
Sixty-one women performed 16 weeks of dual-task training or functional training. The functional fitness was measured pre-, post-training, and post-detraining, based on the ability to put on and take off a t-shirt, evaluating the mobility of the upper limb, standing-up from the prone position measuring the global functionality, five times sit-to-stand test to assess the lower limbs muscle power, timed up and go to measure the dynamic balance and agility, gallon-jug shelf-transfer to evaluate the global functionality emphasizing the upper limbs and 10 m walk test to analyze the gait ability.
Results:
Dual-task training and functional training generally provided significant small to moderate magnitude performance increases in the put on and take off a t-shirt (dual-task training: d = 0.35 / functional training: d = 0.49), five times sit-to-stand test (dual-task training: d = 0.41 / functional training: d = 0.77), timed up and go (dual-task training: d = 0.34 / functional training: d = 0.78), and gallon-jug shelf-transfer (dual-task training: d = 0.76 / functional training: d = 0.82). Only the functional training improved the 10 m walk test (d = 0.32; p = 0.013), and both groups did not change the standing-up from the prone position performance. After the detraining period, both groups kept the adaptations for the gallon-jug shelf-transfer and five times sit-to-stand test. At the same time, only the dual-task training maintained the adaptations for the put on and take off a t-shirt and the functional training for the timed up and go.
Conclusion:
Sixteen weeks of dual-task and functional training are similarly effective in improving older women's functional fitness, maintaining their benefits even after three months of detraining.
Trial Registration:
RBR-10ny848z ( https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-10ny848z ).
