Retention Effect of Dual Task Training on Mobility, Fear of Fall and Quality of Life in Subjects with Parkinson’s Disease

Abstract

Background: Impairment in the ability to perform another task while walking i.e. , dual tasking isassociated with an increased risk of fall, diminished mobility, loss of independence leading to decreasein the quality of life among patients with Parkinson’s disease. So, the present study aims to determinethe retention effect of dual task training on mobility, fear of fall, quality of life.Method: 30 subjects between the age group of 65-75 years diagnosed with PD were included in thestudy and were allocated to a single group after fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baselinedata like age, gender, Hoehn&Yahr stage was noted. Subjects underwent dual task training 5 times aweek, for 4 weeks. All the subjects were assessed using Timed Up and Go test, Fall Efficacy Scale andParkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39.Results: The dual task training on mobility showed significant improvement in mobility, fear of falland quality of life in post-test 1. Retention effect (post-test 2) also showed significant improvement butcompared to post-test 1 (p<0.001), it has reduced (p<0.05).Conclusion: The result of present study shows significant retention effect of dual task training onmobility, fear of fall and quality of life. The results also show that regular training is required for thesubjects to maintain the progress achieved.