The Effect of Dual Task Attention Instruction on the Static and Dynamic Balance of the Ahwaz Elderly

Introduction: Improvement balance by exercise interventions in older adults has great importance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dual task attention instruction on the static and dynamic balance older adults in Ahvaz. Materials & Methods: This quasi-experimental applied research recruited men of over 60 years old living in Salehin residency of Ahvaz. Twenty individuals who met the inclusion criteria were selected by convenience sampling method and participated voluntarily after signing written consent. A week after the pretest, the training sessions started and lasted for three consecutive sessions. The dual task attention group were instructed to perform a secondary cognitive assignment (countdown) during the execution of the static and dynamic balance task. The control group did not perform any cognitive dual task. A post-test was performed after the end of the training sessions. To compare the two groups, ANCOVA test was used (p <0.05). Results: The results revealed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the static balance (P = 0. 001) and dynamic balance (P = 0.001). Using dual tasks improved static balance (p <0.05), but had a weakened effect on the dynamic balance of older adults (p <0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that a period of dual task attention instruction improves the static balance in older adults, but has a weakened effect on the dynamic balance of older adults. Therefore, it is suggested that dual task be used to improve static balance in older adults.