A Study of Dual-task Exercise Training to Prevent Falls Among Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Oregon Research Institute

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Aging; Mild Cognitive Impairment; Accidental Falls

Treatments: Behavioral: stretching; Behavioral: dual-task tai ji quan; Behavioral: standard tai ji quan

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05725668

AG074045-01A1

Details and patient eligibility

About

To determine the efficacy of a dual-task tai ji quan training therapy in reducing the incidence of falls in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Full description

The primary aim of the study is to determine the comparative efficacy of two tai ji quan interventions (Dual-task tai ji quan, standard tai ji quan), relative to a stretching exercise control, in reducing the incidence of falls among community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Enrollment: 336 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 65 to 95 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• being 65 years and older
• having complaint of memory loss
• scoring ≤0.5 on Clinical Dementia Scale
• having had 1 or more falls in the preceding 12 months or scoring ≥12 seconds on the Timed Up and Go test

Exclusion criteria

• scoring <24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination
• being able to ambulate independently for household distances
• having medical clearance
• having participated in any regular and structured tai ji quan-based exercise programs (≥2 times weekly) in the preceding 6 months
• having a progressive neuromuscular disorder such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis
• being unwilling to be randomized

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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336 participants in 3 patient groups

Dual-task taj ji quan

Experimental group

Description:

This intervention includes training of (a) symmetrical postural tai ji quan forms/movements synchronized with breathing, (b) controlled displacement (weight-shifting) of the body's center of mass over the base of support, (c) dynamic eye-hand movements during whole-body motion, (d) multidirectional (anterior-posterior and medial-lateral) stepping, and (e) rotational ankle sway and self-induced reactive postural recovery actions. The training practices are integrated, gradually over time, with a mix of interactive, cognitively stimulating, dual-task exercises that challenge attention control, working memory, verbalization, response inhibition, processing speed, dual tasking, task switching/prioritization, and spatial orientation and postural awareness.

Treatment:

Behavioral: dual-task tai ji quan

Standard tai ji quan

Experimental group

Description:

This intervention includes training of tai ji quan forms with synchronized breathing, supplemented by a set of mini-therapeutic exercises. The training involves repeated practice of (a) symmetrical, coordinated, trunk-driven tai ji quan form movements, (b) controlled displacement (weight-shifting) of the body's center of mass over varying sizes of the base of support, (c) dynamic eye-hand movements during whole-body motion, and (d) multidirectional (anterior-posterior and medial-lateral) stepping. As a balance training therapy, movement practices emphasize a dynamic interplay of stabilizing and self-induced destabilizing postural actions and balance exercises that target mobility, stability limits, and sensory integration.

Treatment:

Behavioral: standard tai ji quan

Stretching exercise

Experimental group

Description:

This active control intervention includes light activities that consist of breathing, stretching, and relaxation exercises. Each exercise session encompasses a variety of light and static stretches for joints and muscles, performed in a seated or standing position. Exercise involves the upper body (arms, neck, upper back, shoulder, back, and chest), lower extremities (quadriceps, hamstrings/calfs, and hips), and gentle and slow trunk rotations. Also included are intermittent light walking, deep abdominal breathing exercises that emphasize inhaling and exhaling to maximum capacity, and progressive relaxation of major muscle groups.

Treatment:

Behavioral: stretching