Clinical Research Directory

Should Dual Task Training or Action Observation Therapy be Used in Geriatric Individuals?

Summary Aging leads to significant declines in both motor skills and cognitive functions. Declines in walking, balance, and general mobility are particularly evident, while declines in cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and decision-making are also observed. It is crucial to recommend therapeutic interventions that support healthy aging, aim to increase physical and cognitive function, and prevent physical limitations in individuals over 65. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of dual-task training and action observation therapy on parameters such as cognitive function, balance, gait, functional mobility, flexibility, strength, and quality of life in geriatric individuals. Sixty-six individuals over the age of 65 will be randomized into the Dual-Task Training (DTT) group (n=22), the Action Observation Therapy (EGT) group (n=22), and the Control Group (CG) (n=22), which will receive conventional exercise. The exercise program will be applied 3 days per week for 8 weeks in all three groups. To assess balance and walking, the "Tinetti Balance and Walk Test" will be used; to assess functional mobility, the "Timed Up and Go Test" will be used; to obtain information about muscle strength, the "Hand Dynanometer" and the "5-Time Chair Sit-to-Stand Test" will be used; the "Sit-and-Reach Flexibility Test" will be used; to assess quality of life, the "CASP-19 Quality of Life Scale for Elderly People - Turkey Version (CASP-13)" will be used; to assess cognitive functions, the "Mini Mental State Test" and the "Clock Drawing Test" will be used; and perceived fatigue levels after exercise will be assessed using the Modified Borg Scale. The analyses of the data taken into the study will be carried out using SPSS (Statistical Program in Social Sciences). The values of the data will be expressed as numbers, percentages, mean and standard deviation; the significance level (p) will be taken as 0.05 for comparison tests.