Effectiveness of dual task training with mental practice in improving the balance and cognition in elderly population

Abstract

Background of the study: According to the study done by "Program On The Global Demography Of Aging At Harvard University-August 2016", India's aged population (age 60 and older) has dramatically increased and is three times higher than that of the population as a whole. Balance and cognitive issues are common problems that elderly face in their daily life as they can make elderly more prone for falls. Objective of the study: To determine the efficacy of dual task training with mental practice in improving balance and cognition of elderly population. Methodology: 30 subjects with age > 65 were participated in this study. Subjects were divided in to two equal groups with 15 samples in each group. Group A performed Dual task training, mental practice and conventional balance exercises and Group B performed conventional balance exercises. Both group performed the exercises for four (4) weeks. Outcome was measured before and after the treatment using BBS and MMSE. Analysis were done using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Mann Whitney U Test. Results: There is significant difference in balance and cognition in elderly population after practicing dual task training along with mental practice. Conclusion :