The effect of dual task training on sit to stand postural control of elderly women with a history of falling

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of dual task training including balance sit-to-stand and cognitive exercises on postural control of sit to stand of elderly women with a history of falling. 15 elderly women were randomly divided into control (n=7) and experimental (n=8) groups. Participants implemented training protocol for four weeks in both experimental (balance and cognitive exercises) and control groups (balance sit-to-stand exercises). Before and after the training protocol, Berg Balance Scale and time of up and go tests were applied. Besides, in order to measure amplitude and speed of postural sway in the anteroposterior and medio-lateral direction in different stages of sit to stand movement in dual task condition, a force plate with a frequency of 100 Hz was used in pre-test and post-test. For data analysis, paired and independent t-test, nonparametric Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney u-tests were used with a significance level of P≤0.05. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the BERG test and significant reduction of the amplitude and speed of center of pressure in the antero-posterior and medio-lateral directions in the experimental group compared to the control group from pre-test to post-test (P≤0.05). Due to results, balance exercises by dual task method improved control functional balance and reduced postural sway and consequently improved sit to stand postural control in dual task condition and therefore can reduce more effectively the risk of falling in elder people.