Comparative Impact of Dual-Task (Motor-Cognitive) Training and Backward Walking on Balance Improvement in Older Adults: a Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The elderly are individuals who are in the final phase of life and have reached the age of 60 years or more. Along with ageing, the elderly experience various changes in physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial aspects. In addition, the function of the sensory and musculoskeletal systems also decreases. In the musculoskeletal system, physiological changes that occur include decreased muscle strength, flexibility, elasticity, and limitations in joint range of motion. AIM. To determine the difference in effect between Dual-Task (Motor-Cognitive) and Walking Backward on elderly balance. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This research is an experimental study with a quasi-experimental design approach with a pre-and post-test design type, which divides the sample into two groups (two group samples). Group A and group B as treatment or experiment groups in the form of giving Dual-Task (Motor-Cognitive) for group A, for group B by giving Backward Walking. The sample comprise 60 people according to the inclusion criteria. Balance measurements were made using the Time Up Go Test (TUGT). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The statistical test results for the paired T-test demonstrate that the test results obtained for the Dual-Task (Motor-Cognitive) treatment group are p = 0.00 ( 0.05) and for the Backward Walking group obtained p = 0.00 ( 0.05) which means that both treatment groups are significant in improving the balance of the elderly. And the results of the independent t-test obtained a value of p = 0.048 ( 0.05). It can be interpreted that there is no significant difference in effect between Dual-Task (Motor-Cognitive) and Backward Walking on improving he balance of elderly individuals. CONCLUSION. The findings of this study suggest that the outcomes of the independent sample t-test for TUGT demonstrated a value of p = 0.048 (p 0.05). So it can be concluded that the two treatment groups have no significant difference in effect between Dual-Task (Motor-Cognitive) and Backward Walking on improving elderly balance.

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