How doing a thinking task while walking affects balance and gait in Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome

Effects of Cognitive Load on Gait and Balance Performance in Individuals With Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome: A Dual-Task Analysis

Balikesir University · NCT07572968

This test will see if doing a thinking task while walking changes walking speed and balance in people aged 65 and older with Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment35 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBalikesir University (other)
Locations1 site (Balıkesir, Bigadiç)
Trial IDNCT07572968 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study compares gait and balance performance under single-task and dual-task conditions in older adults with Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome. Participants will perform Timed Up and Go and tandem walking tests both alone and while carrying out a cognitive task to measure dual-task cost and cognitive-motor interference. Researchers will record gait speed, balance metrics, and cognitive task performance to look for early markers of cognitive decline and fall risk. Candidates must be 65 or older with subjective cognitive complaints and slow gait but without dementia or major neurological or orthopedic conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 65 or older with subjective cognitive complaints, slow gait speed, and no diagnosis of dementia.

Not a fit: People with dementia, major neurological diseases (for example stroke or Parkinson's), severe visual or hearing impairment, or acute orthopedic problems that affect walking are excluded and unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help identify early signs of cognitive decline and support targeted strategies to reduce fall risk.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that dual-task walking tests can reveal cognitive-motor interference and help predict fall risk, so this approach builds on existing evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Age ≥ 65 years Subjective cognitive complaints Slow gait speed No dementia diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

Severe visual/hearing impairment Neurological diseases (stroke, Parkinson) Acute orthopedic conditions affecting walking

Where this trial is running

Balıkesir, Bigadiç

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome, Dual-Task Performance, Gait, Balance

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.