The Effects of Dual-Task Exercises on Balance, Gait Performance, and Fall Risk in Healthy Older Individuals
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21001906Keywords:
Healthy older adults, balance, postural control, fall risk, dual-task exercise.Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this review is to examine the effects of dual-task based exercise interventions on balance, postural control, and gait performance in healthy elderly individuals, in light of current literature, and to evaluate the potential role of these approaches in reducing the risk of falls.
Methods: In line with the study's objective, a literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The review process examined English-language studies published between 2016 and 2026. The keywords used were “dual-task training”, “dual-task exercise”, “older adults”, “postural control”, “balance”, “gait performance”, “fall risk”, and “fall prevention”. Clinical studies investigating the effects of dual-task exercises on balance, gait, or postural control in healthy older individuals were included in the evaluation. Studies involving neurological disease populations were excluded.
Results: Most studies reviewed suggest that the simultaneous application of motor and cognitive tasks can have positive effects on balance performance, gait parameters, and functional mobility in older adults. Dual-task exercises are highlighted as particularly effective in improving dynamic balance, gait speed, and inter-task coordination; additionally, they support the integration of cognitive processes with motor performance. Some studies have also reported that such interventions can reduce fear of falling and contribute to safer movement in daily living activities.
Conclusions: Current findings suggest that dual-task-based exercises may be an effective approach to improving balance and gait performance in healthy older adults. These interventions, reflecting common multitasking situations in daily life, are considered a potential exercise strategy that can contribute to reducing the risk of falls.
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