The effect of motor-motor and motor-cognitive dual task exercises on falling in elderly

The aim of our study; was to determine the effects of both motor-motor and motor-cognitive dual task exercises on falling in elderly. 50 geriatric volunteers over 60 years of age were included in the study. The assessments were applied before and after treatment. Motor-cognitive dual task exercise in Group 1 and motor-motor dual task exercise in Group 2 were applied. Measurements used were Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Functional Independence Measures (FIM). Antigravity muscle strength measurement was assessed by hand-held dynamometer and plantar sensory evaluation using monofilament and discriminator. The average age of the subjects participating in the study was 67,72 ± 7,33. Significant improvement was found after treatment on BBS in both groups (p<0.05).However, no significant difference was found between the groups (p=0.07). There was no significant difference in both groups and between groups on FES-I and FIM (p>0.05).When the groups compared, it was found thatin Group 1, significant improvement was found after treatment on TUG (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups on muscle strength, plantar sensation and two-point discrimination values (p>0,05). In our study, both dual task exercises had positive effects on falling in elderly. However we think that motor-cognitive dual task exercises should be prioritized in elderly, because of the positive effect of exercise on TUG. Key Words: Dual task, falling, geriatrics, Timed Up and Go Test, cognitive.