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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Revised and Neuroimaging-Compatible Versions of the Dual Task Screen
Published on: October 5, 2020
Psychosocial outcomes following dual-task high-velocity exercise training in older adults: a secondary analysis of an
Jamie L Tait1, Rachel L Duckham2,3, Timo Rantalainen4
1Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
Objectives:
Power and resistance training can improve older adults' perceived health, and while cognitive training has mixed benefits, combined effects remain uncertain. This secondary analysis of an 18-month cluster randomized controlled trial investigated whether dual-task functional power training (DT-FPT) improves psychosocial outcomes in older adults at risk for falls.
Methods:
Twenty-two independent-living retirement communities (300 residents, ≥65 years) were randomized to 12 months of group-based DT-FPT (6 months supervised + 6 months maintenance; 2/week, 45-60 min) performed with cognitive and/or motor tasks or control (CON), followed by a 6-month follow-up. Health-related quality of life (HR-QoL; SF-36v2), life satisfaction (Personal Wellbeing Index), and psychological distress (Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale [DASS-21]) were assessed at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months, generating subscale, summary, and composite scores.
Results:
Overall, 227 (76%) participants provided data at the 18-month follow-up; mean exercise adherence was 50% at 6 months and 40% at 12 months. At 6 months, DT-FPT showed net benefits compared to CON for physical functioning (1.77 points [95% CI: 0.03, 3.51]; p = .047), role-physical (2.71 [0.35, 5.08]; p = .025), and role-emotional (2.25 [0.09, 4.40]; p = .041) HR-QoL domains. No changes were observed in life satisfaction or psychological distress, but CON showed lower Anxiety DASS-21 subscale scores than DT-FPT at 12 months (-2.0 [-3.22, -0.76]; p = .001) and 18 months (-0.93 [-1.84, -0.02]; p = .045).
Discussion:
DT-FPT delivered to older, retirement-living adults at risk of falls may improve select HR-QoL domains, potentially reducing perceived physical limitations in daily activities, but shows no sustained effects or impact on life satisfaction.