Personalized dual-task training to improve balance and walking in older adults
EFFECTS OF SENSORİAL AND COGNİTİVE INDİVİDUALİZED DUAL-TASK TRAİNİNG ON FUNCTİONAL BALANCE, MOBİLİTY, AND DUAL-TASK PERFORMANCE İN OLDER ADULTS: A RANDOMİZED CONTROLLED TRİAL
This project will test whether personalized dual-task training helps people aged 65 and older improve balance and walking compared with standard dual-task or single-task exercise.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07448961 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants will complete a baseline motor and cognitive assessment to set individualized training levels, then be randomized to an individualized dual-task group, a standardized dual-task group, or a single-task motor training control. Training is supervised three times per week for eight weeks with 40–45 minute sessions that include walking, obstacle crossing, and balance exercises combined with cognitive or sensory challenges. Researchers will compare changes in balance, gait speed, and dual-task cost across groups to see if tailoring sensory and cognitive loads leads to greater improvement. Outcomes will address motor-cognitive interference and functional mobility in community-dwelling older adults.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older who can walk at least 10 meters unaided, are cognitively intact (MoCA ≥ 24), medically stable, and willing to attend supervised sessions and provide informed consent.
Not a fit: People with neurological disorders affecting movement or cognition, recent major orthopedic injuries or surgeries, severe visual/hearing impairment, uncontrolled cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, or those already in structured exercise programs are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, personalized dual-task training could improve balance and walking speed, reduce dual-task interference, and help older adults maintain independence and lower fall risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials report that dual-task training can improve gait and balance in older adults, but the specific benefit of individualized sensory and cognitive tailoring is less well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 65 years and older. * Living independently in the community. * Ability to walk at least 10 meters without the use of an assistive device (e.g., cane, walker). * Cognitively intact, defined as a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score of 24 or higher. * Stable medical condition allowing for participation in an 8-week exercise program. * Willingness to participate in the study and provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * History of neurological disorders affecting movement or cognition (e.g., Stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Dementia). * Acute or chronic orthopedic conditions that severely limit gait or balance (e.g., recent lower limb fracture or major joint replacement within the last 6 months). * Severe visual or hearing impairment that prevents following instructions or performing tasks. * Uncontrolled cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. * Currently participating in another structured exercise or dual-task training program. * Inability to commit to the 8-week training schedule.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Istanbul
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Faculty of Health Sciences — Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sezen Karabörklü Argut, PhD — Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Faculty of Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Sezen Karabörklü Argut, PhD
- Email: s.karaborkluargut@iuc.edu.tr
- Phone: +902128663700
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.