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Vanderlinden AO, Nevisipour M, Sugar T, Lee H. Reduced trunk movement control during motor dual-tasking in older adults. Hum Mov Sci 2024; 95:103223. [PMID: 38692198 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2024.103223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Older adults have a decreased trunk movement control which is linked to their higher fall risk. While motor/cognitive dual-tasking deteriorates balance and walking in older adults, there is limited understanding on how trunk kinematics and kinetics are affected by dual-tasking in scenarios where falls can occur. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine the impacts of a challenging motor dual-task, specifically obstacle avoidance during walking, on trunk and lower-body kinematics and kinetics of older adults compared to young adults. The study captured three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data from 12 young adults and 10 older adults as they walked on a treadmill and stepped over an obstacle with both legs. The study analyzed trunk, hip, knee, and ankle angles and torques. Trunk torque was further broken down to trunk muscle torque, gravitational torque, and inertia torque. A linear mixed effects model was used to investigate the difference in each variable between the two groups. Older adults exhibited significantly increased trunk flexion angle and trunk extension muscle torque compared to young adults, with the trunk being the only segment/joint showing differences in both kinematics and kinetics. Trunk torque breakdown analysis revealed that larger trunk flexion led to a larger gravitational torque, which contributed to an increased compensatory trunk muscle torque. Moreover, older adults' less controlled trunk flexion during weight shifting from trail leg to the lead leg, necessitated a compensatory trunk deceleration during trail leg obstacle avoidance which was achieved by generating additional increase in trunk muscle torque. The study demonstrated that motor dual-tasking has the most negative effects on trunk control in older adults compared to young adults. This exposes older adults to a higher fall risk. Therefore, future work should focus on supporting trunk control during daily multi-tasking conditions where falls can occur.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masood Nevisipour
- School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, USA
| | - Thomas Sugar
- School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ, USA
| | - Hyunglae Lee
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
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Domingos J, Dean J, Fernandes JB, Família C, Fernandes S, Godinho C. Exploring barriers and educational needs in implementing dual-task training for Parkinson's disease: insights from professionals. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1325978. [PMID: 38646555 PMCID: PMC11032016 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1325978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is growing evidence suggesting that dual-task training benefits people with Parkinson's disease (PD) on both physical and cognitive outcomes. However, there is no known data regarding professionals' educational needs and barriers to its implementation. This study aimed to explore the barriers and educational needs of healthcare and exercise professionals to integrate dual-task training into their practice with people with PD. Methods We conducted a study based on a web survey. Social media channels were used to recruit a convenience sample of exercise and healthcare professionals working with people with PD. Results Of the 185 eligible responses, the majority were physiotherapists (68.1%) followed by occupational therapists (10.8%). Most participants attended Parkinson specific training (88.6%) and employed the treatments set up in individual one on-one sessions (58.9%). We identified several barriers to dual-task training implementation, with lack of time (to prepare materials), staying creative and/ or accessing new ideas, unreliable tools for measuring gains, and insufficient expertise as the most referred by participants. The educational needs most referred included accessing examples of interventions in general, knowing what strategies to apply and their application for people with different symptoms. Discussion Our results highlight that professionals remain challenged to integrate dualtask training into PD clinical care mainly due to knowledge gaps, difficulties in accessing new ideas, and lack of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefa Domingos
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Neurology, Center of Expertise for Parkinson and Movement Disorders, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Almada, Portugal
| | - John Dean
- Triad Health, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Júlio Belo Fernandes
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Almada, Portugal
- Nurs* Lab, Almada, Portugal
| | - Carlos Família
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Almada, Portugal
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory (MPFBL), Caparica, Portugal
| | - Sónia Fernandes
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Almada, Portugal
- Nurs* Lab, Almada, Portugal
| | - Catarina Godinho
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Almada, Portugal
- Nurs* Lab, Almada, Portugal
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Elshorbagy R, Alkhaldi H, Alshammari N, El Semary M. Influence of Sex on Cognitive and Motor Dual-Task Performance Among Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. Ann Rehabil Med 2024; 48:163-170. [PMID: 38575372 PMCID: PMC11058369 DOI: 10.5535/arm.23150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the sex-related differences in single-task performance through motor torque, cognitive tasks and walking speed, and the combined dual-task costs (DTCs) considering both motor and cognitive performance in young adults. METHODS Sixty-seven non-athletic subjects 37 females and 30 males were enrolled. The study measured their knee extension muscle torque using an isokinetic strength dynamometer and their walking speed using the one step app. these assessments were performed both with and without a cognitive task, and the DTCs were calculated. RESULTS The females exhibited significantly larger motor performance dual task effect through (torque-DTC, speed-DTC) compared with males while exhibiting smaller cognitive dual task effect with muscle torque and speed. CONCLUSION Deterioration in motor performance during muscle force production and speed during dual tasks was large in females compared to males, whereas males experience a decline in cognitive ability when performing dual tasks compared with females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Elshorbagy
- Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders and Their Surgeries, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hanin Alkhaldi
- Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Njoud Alshammari
- Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moataz El Semary
- Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physical Therapy for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Vicente C, Fernandes S, Romão A, Fernandes JB. Current trends in psychotherapies and psychosocial interventions for people with dementia: a scoping review of randomized controlled trials. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1286475. [PMID: 38317762 PMCID: PMC10838973 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1286475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
An outcome of dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive function. Implementing psychotherapies and psychosocial interventions is crucial for bolstering cognitive abilities, promoting independence, and elevating the quality of life for individuals with dementia. This review aims to identify current trends in psychotherapies and psychosocial interventions for people with dementia. A Scoping review was developed based on the framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. The literature search was conducted on electronic databases, including Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Nursing & Allied Health Collection, and MedicLatina. Executed in June 2023, the search focused on articles published in English, Portuguese, and Spanish between 2013 and 2023. Through this search, 1409 articles were initially identified. After selecting and analyzing the reports, sixteen trials were included in this review. Eight distinct categories were identified, covering different strategies. These categories run from computerized game-based cognitive training and reminiscence therapy to compensatory and restorative strategies, memory and attention training, calculation training, dual-task training, counseling, and personalized goal attainment. The findings of this scoping review highlight the diverse landscape of psychotherapies and psychosocial interventions for people with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Vicente
- Department of Nursing, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal
- Nurs Lab, Caparica, Almada, Portugal
| | - Sónia Fernandes
- Nurs Lab, Caparica, Almada, Portugal
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, Almada, Portugal
| | - Ana Romão
- Nurs Lab, Caparica, Almada, Portugal
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, Almada, Portugal
| | - Júlio Belo Fernandes
- Nurs Lab, Caparica, Almada, Portugal
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, Almada, Portugal
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Saraiva J, Rosa G, Fernandes S, Fernandes JB. Current Trends in Balance Rehabilitation for Stroke Survivors: A Scoping Review of Experimental Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6829. [PMID: 37835099 PMCID: PMC10572981 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Balance impairment is a common consequence of a stroke, which can significantly hinder individuals' participation in daily activities, social interactions, and leisure pursuits and their ability to return to work. Rehabilitation is vital for minimizing post-stroke sequelae and facilitating the recovery of patients. This review aims to identify current trends in balance rehabilitation of stroke survivors. This Scoping review followed Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework. The literature search was conducted in electronic databases, including CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, and Nursing & Allied Health Collection. The search was performed in March 2023, and the inclusion criteria were articles published in English or Portuguese between 2013 and 2023. A total of 446 articles were identified. After selecting and analyzing the reports, fourteen publications were included in this review. Seven distinct categories of balance rehabilitation interventions were identified, covering various approaches. These categories included conventional rehabilitation exercises, gym-based interventions, vibration therapy, rhythmic auditory stimulation training, boxing therapy, dual-task training, and technology-based rehabilitation interventions. Each of these methods presents unique benefits and can significantly impact the recovery of balance in stroke survivors, enhancing their overall well-being and functional capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Saraiva
- Department of Nursing, Hospital Garcia de Orta, 2805-267 Almada, Portugal;
- Nurs* Lab, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal; (S.F.); (J.B.F.)
| | - Gonçalo Rosa
- Department of Nursing, Hospital Garcia de Orta, 2805-267 Almada, Portugal;
- Nurs* Lab, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal; (S.F.); (J.B.F.)
| | - Sónia Fernandes
- Nurs* Lab, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal; (S.F.); (J.B.F.)
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Júlio Belo Fernandes
- Nurs* Lab, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal; (S.F.); (J.B.F.)
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Caparica, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
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Leung T, Dean J, Fernandes JB, Godinho C. An Online Dual-Task Cognitive and Motor Exercise Program for Individuals With Parkinson Disease (PD3 Move Program): Acceptability Study. JMIR Aging 2022; 5:e40325. [PMID: 36548037 PMCID: PMC9816951 DOI: 10.2196/40325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dual-task training is an emerging field used for people with Parkinson disease (PD) to improve their physical and cognitive well-being, but the patients' acceptability, safety, and adherence to such training in online settings are unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the acceptability of a dual-task cognitive and motor online training program for people with PD as a group online community program. METHODS People with PD were invited to participate in an online program (PD3 Move) consisting of physical and vocal exercises in response to different cognitive challenges displayed as dynamic backgrounds on Zoom. The program ran twice per week for 16 weeks. Patient acceptability was assessed at 4 months by monitoring attendance rates and feedback from an exit questionnaire emailed to all participants assessing satisfaction, perceived benefit, safety, and willingness to continue and recommend to others. RESULTS The online program was delivered to 15 participants (n=9, 60%, females) with a diagnosis of PD, a mean age of 69.4 (SD 9.3) years, and Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stages I-IV. The attendance rate was high, with participants coming to more than 13 (81%) of the sessions. Participants were very satisfied (n=8, 53%) or satisfied (n=7, 47%) with the program. Participants reported that what they most liked were the new cognitive physical challenges. The 3 main facilitators to participating were perceiving the benefits, instructor's flexibility and engagement, and the social interaction moments with others. The 3 main difficulties were dealing with motor fluctuations (n=3, 20%), difficulties in using technology (n=2, 13%), and difficulty hearing instructions due to hearing loss (n=2, 13%). Patients had favorable perceived benefits of the program, with 14 (93%) considering it very useful for the current management of health and 1 (7%) moderately useful. No adverse events were reported, and all participants said that they were willing to continue the program and recommend it to others. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the online cognitive and motor program was well received, safe, and perceived to be of benefit to this group of medically stable people with PD in H&Y stages I-IV. Access to specialized care and enhancement of long-term adherence to regular exercise can be achieved with online community group programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Dean
- Triad Health AI, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Júlio Belo Fernandes
- Grupo de Patologia Médica, Nutrição e Exercício Clínico (PaMNEC), Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, Almada, Portugal
| | - Catarina Godinho
- Grupo de Patologia Médica, Nutrição e Exercício Clínico (PaMNEC), Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, Almada, Portugal
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Mocanu GD. The influence of curricular physical activities on the values of body balance indices in university students. BALNEO AND PRM RESEARCH JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.12680/balneo.2022.478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The investigation analyzes the effect of specific motor structures on the indicators of the static and dynamic balance of the students of Dunărea de Jos University in Galați (99 boys aged = 20.29 years, body weight = 84.17 kg, height = 180.08 cm, respectively 96 girls aged = 20.09 years, mass bodyweight = 60.88 kg, height = 164.73 cm. The members of the tested group have no concerns related to performance sports or physical activities as a lifestyle. The application of the experi-mental program was made during the 28 weeks of the academic year 2018-2019, with 3 distinct moments: T1 / initial at the beginning of the 1st semester, T2 / intermediate before the winter break, T3 / final at the end of the academic year. The battery of tests included 7 tests: One leg standing test with eyes closed (sec), Stork test (sec), Flamingo test (number of attempts), Bass test (points), Functional reach test (cm), Walk and turn field sobriety test (errors) and Fukuda test (degrees). The results of the Anova parametric test with repeated measurements revealed statis-tically significant values of F associated with critical thresholds (p <0.05), and the values of Parti-al eta squared (Ƞ2p) indicate strong influences of the proposed program on test performance in most cases, both at the level of the whole group and also for each gender. It should be noted that the performance improvements are greater in the first part of the study (differences between ini-tial and intermediate tests, with p <0.05), compared to those in semester 2 (differences between intermediate and final tests), which can be explained by the adaptation to the planned and ap-plied stimuli, so modifying or changing their dosage is necessary in order to have a better chan-ce of improving the results. Significant differences are confirmed for most tests of both genders (p <0.05), with exceptions being the Walk and turn field sobriety test for boys (at the level of the difference between intermediate and final testing) and the Fukuda test for both genders (for dif-ferences between initial and intermediate testing). However, the results should be viewed with caution, the low level of physical training and sedentary behavior of most students providing the premises for such progress, even with a single weekly physical activity.
Keywords: students, balance, postural stability, physical exercise, progress, motor skills
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Affiliation(s)
- George-Danut Mocanu
- “Dunărea de Jos” University, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Galați, România
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Chen Z, Li M, Cui H, Wu X, Chen F, Li W. Effects of kinesio taping therapy on gait and surface electromyography in stroke patients with hemiplegia. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1040278. [DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1040278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The application of Kinesio Taping (KT) on the lower extremity of stroke patients can improve the quality of somatosensory information by activating lower extremity muscles involved in postural control. Gait analysis and surface electromyography (SEMG) are valuable in assessing the motor ability of the lower extremities.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of KT therapy on gait and SEMG in stroke patients with hemiplegia.Methods: Twenty-one stroke patients were included in the study. KT was applied to the lower extremities of the hemiplegic side. Quantitative gait parameters were measured by a gait analysis system (IDEEA, by MiniSun, United States) and activation of the lower extremity muscles were evaluated by the SEMG (Trigno™ Wireless Systems, Delsys Inc., United States) before and after taping. Step length, stride length, pulling acceleration, swing power, ground impact, and energy expenditure were used to evaluate when patients walk as usual. SEMG signals were collected from the anterior bilateral tibialis (TA) and the lateral gastrocnemius (LG). The root mean square (RMS) value was used to assess muscle activity. SEMG signals were examined before and after KT treatment in three different locomotor conditions of the patients: walking at a natural speed, walking with a weight of 5 kg, dual-tasking walking (walking + calculation task) while carrying a weight of 5 kg. The calculation task was to ask the patients to calculate the result of subtracting 7 from 100 and continuing to subtract 7 from the resulting numbers. Comparisons between two normally distributed samples (before and after KT treatment) were evaluated using the two-tailed, paired Student’s t-test.Results: Stride length (0.89 ± 0.19 vs. 0.96 ± 0.23; p = 0.029), pulling acceleration (0.40 ± 0.21 vs. 1.11 ± 0.74; p = 0.005), and swing power (0.42 ± 0.24 vs. 1.14 ± 0.72; p = 0.004) improved in the hemiplegia side after KT treatment. The RMS value of TA SEMG signals in the limbs on the hemiplegia side decreased after KT treatment during dual-tasking walking carrying a weight of 5 kg (3.65 ± 1.31 vs. 2.93 ± 0.95; p = 0.030).Conclusion: KT treatment is effective in altering gait and SEMG characteristics in stroke patients with hemiplegia.
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Fernandes JB, Teixeira F, Godinho C. Personalized Care and Treatment Compliance in Chronic Conditions. J Pers Med 2022; 12:737. [PMID: 35629159 PMCID: PMC9147940 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic diseases are commonly defined as conditions that last one year or more and require ongoing medical attention, limit activities of daily living, or both [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Belo Fernandes
- Escola Superior de Saúde Egas Moniz, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal;
- Grupo de Patologia Médica, Nutrição e Exercício Clínico (PaMNEC), Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Fábio Teixeira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal;
- ICVS/3B’s Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- Medical and Industrial Biotechnology Laboratory (LABMI), Porto Research, Technology, and Innovation Center (PORTIC), Porto Polytechnic Institute, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- I3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Godinho
- Escola Superior de Saúde Egas Moniz, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal;
- Grupo de Patologia Médica, Nutrição e Exercício Clínico (PaMNEC), Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
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Spanò B, Lombardi MG, De Tollis M, Szczepanska MA, Ricci C, Manzo A, Giuli S, Polidori L, Griffini IA, Adriano F, Caltagirone C, Annicchiarico R. Effect of Dual-Task Motor-Cognitive Training in Preventing Falls in Vulnerable Elderly Cerebrovascular Patients: A Pilot Study. Brain Sci 2022; 12:168. [PMID: 35203932 PMCID: PMC8869774 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Falling is a frequent and major clinical problem among older adults, as well as in patients with chronic cerebrovascular diseases (CVD). At present, sequential (mixed) and simultaneously (dual-task) motor-cognitive trainings are the best approaches to affording patients more autonomy in their everyday motor independence while reducing fall risks and consequences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an advanced and innovative dual-task motor-cognitive rehabilitation program on fall risks in vulnerable older persons with chronic CVD. To this purpose, 26 consecutive older fallers with chronic CVD were recruited, and completed a mixed motor-cognitive or a dual-task motor-cognitive training program. Each patient also underwent two test evaluations to assess balance, gait, fear of falling, and walking performance at pre-and post-intervention. We found that our experimental motor-cognitive dual-task rehabilitation program could be an effective method to improve walking balance, gait, walking speed, and fear of falling, while reducing the risk of falls in older people with chronic CVD. Furthermore, results show that the simultaneous motor-cognitive training is more effective than the sequential motor-cognitive training. Therefore, our study brings innovative data, which can contribute positively to the management of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Spanò
- Technology and Training Methods for Disability Care Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.G.L.); (M.D.T.); (M.A.S.); (C.R.); (A.M.); (S.G.); (L.P.); (I.A.G.); (F.A.); (C.C.); (R.A.)
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