Effectiveness of Self-Administered Dual-Task Training in Improving Balance and Reducing Falls Among Older Adults: A...

Dual-task training helps improve balance and reduce falls among older adults, but self-administration of such training has yet to be explored. This study investigates the effectiveness of self-administered dual-task (sDT) compared with single-task training for improving balance and reducing falls.

Participants were 216 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or over who had experienced at least 1 fall in the previous 6 months. Participants were assigned randomly to the sDT (n = 99) or self-administered single-task training (n = 117) group. Both groups completed 36 training sessions over 12 weeks, including 6 supervised workshops. The primary outcome was frequency of falls, while secondary outcomes included dynamic balance, dual-tasking ability, fear of falls, general health, global cognition, and quality of life. Assessment timelines included baseline, 12 weeks postintervention, and 6-month follow-up.

The number of falls decreased in both groups. Compared with the self-administered single-task training group, the sDT group had a significantly lower fall rate (incidence rate ratio: 0.47; 95% CI, 0.34-0.64; P < .001). Immediate between-group effects showed that the sDT group had improved general health and global cognition. Immediate and long-term within-group effects in the sDT group included improved dynamic balance, standard Time Up and Go, and global cognition. No adverse events were recorded.

Twelve weeks of sDT intervention was found to be safe and effective for reducing falls among at-risk participants. Future studies should evaluate the effects of sDT interventions, including a usual care control group.