Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
Dual-Task Stroop Paradigm for Detecting Cognitive Deficits in High-Functioning Stroke Patients
Published on: December 16, 2022
Effectiveness of dual-task exercise in improving balance and preventing falls among older adults: systematic review
Mohammad Jobair Khan1, Kenneth N K Fong2, Thomson Wai-Lung Wong2
1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, SAR, China. mdjobair.khan@connect.polyu.hk.
Purpose:
To investigate whether dual-task (DT) training improves dynamic balance and functional mobility and reduces falls and determine how DT training dosage, including exercise duration, intensity, challenge and adherence, affects treatment outcomes in older adults.
Methods:
Databases were searched until May 2025. Methodology, risk of bias and evidence quality were assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Cochrane risk of bias and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tools, respectively. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB), and functional mobility using Timed Up and Go (TUG), and falls assessed the frequency of fall.
Results:
Forty-four studies involving 2782 older adults were included. The mean PEDro score was 6.1, 58% of studies were found to have low risk of bias, and evidence quality ranged from very low to moderate. Meta-analysis indicated that DT exercise significantly improves dynamic balance and functional mobility, and reduces fall frequency. Meta-regression revealed that dynamic balance improved with 95% adherence to 30 min of moderately challenging and moderate-intensity DT training three times per week for four weeks. Functional mobility improved with 95% adherence to 50 min of mildly challenging and moderate-intensity DT training three times per week for 13 weeks.
Conclusion:
DT training improved dynamic balance and functional mobility and reduced falls. The recommended dosages may elicit optimal outcomes. Additional meta-regression analyses are needed to determine the impact of DT training dosage on falls.
