A Standard Operating Procedure for Dual-Task Training to Improve Physical and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Dual task (DT) training involves practicing exercises while performing a concurrent cognitive or motor task.
• This training approach shows promise for improving both motor and cognitive functions in older adults.
• Currently, no standardized guidelines exist for implementing DT training in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review studies on DT training in healthy older adults published in the last decade.
• To develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for DT training in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus.
• Relevant studies were selected, and data on training parameters (frequency, intensity, time, type) and secondary tasks were extracted.
• The SOP was formulated based on the frequency of parameters identified in the included articles.

Main Results:

• Forty-four studies were included in the review.
• The proposed SOP recommends postural balance or resistance training as primary tasks.
• A mental tracking task is advised as the secondary component, with 2 weekly 60-minute sessions for a minimum of 12 weeks.

Conclusions:

• The developed SOP provides a structured approach for future research on DT training in healthy older adults.
• DT training is feasible and demonstrates positive effects on both motor and cognitive functions.
• This training modality can be effectively integrated into everyday settings for older adults.