Comparison of the Effects of Dual Task Training and Action Observation Therapy Given to Geriatric Individuals

Inonu University2 sites in 1 country66 target enrollmentStarted: December 30, 2025Last updated: October 7, 2025

Trial Snapshot

Phase: Not Applicable
Status: Not yet recruiting
Sponsor: Inonu University
Enrollment: 66
Locations: 2
Primary Endpoint: Tinetti Balance and Walking Test Score

Study Overview Study Design Eligibility Criteria Outcomes Investigators Sites Records & Identifiers Similar Trials

Study Overview

Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

Aging leads to significant declines in both motor skills and cognitive functions. While walking, balance, and general mobility are particularly impaired, cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and decision-making are also observed. The physical decline and cognitive decline associated with aging make it difficult for older adults to maintain independence in their daily activities. Studies have shown that cognitive impairments are directly related to mobility loss.

For individuals over 65, it is crucial to recommend therapeutic interventions that support healthy aging, aim to increase physical and cognitive function, and prevent physical limitations. In recent years, Action Observation Therapy (EGT), a cognitive strategy, has begun to be used in rehabilitation programs for the elderly, aiming to enhance motor learning and functional recovery. Action observation is a cognitive process based on observing actions performed by others without actually performing any movements. In EGT, participants first observe a meaningful action and then imitate it themselves. This stimulates motor learning and motor memory formation, facilitating the understanding and imitation of movements. EGT is a complementary strategy used to improve motor skills, facilitate motor learning, and stimulate neuroplasticity.

Another method used in recent years to improve motor skills and cognitive functions in the elderly is dual-task training (DTT). Dual-task training is based on the simultaneous execution of two motor-motor or cognitive-motor tasks. This methodology can be defined as the ability to simultaneously complete a secondary, cognitive, or motor task while maintaining the primary task of walking or postural balance.

A review of the literature has demonstrated that motor + cognitive dual-task training provided to elderly individuals is an effective intervention for improving cognitive function, health status, and life satisfaction, and reducing depression, in community-dwelling elderly individuals. Another study suggests that a dual-task intervention incorporating cognitive and physical activities in the elderly results in greater improvements in walking speed than interventions involving only physical activities. One study in the literature has reported that EGT improves cognitive function in individuals with MS. However, it appears that further research is needed on its effects on cognitive functions. A study published in 2025 reported that EGT, administered in addition to conventional treatment in elderly individuals, was effective in improving motor skills.

In light of this information, the investigators see that dual-task training and action observation therapy can be used to improve cognitive and physical functions in the elderly. However, it is also noteworthy that studies indicating that dual-task training can cause dual-task confusion in the elderly, leading to poorer performance. A review of the available literature reveals that studies on HDI and EGT mostly focus on a single disease, and no studies comparing these two methods, which may be effective in improving cognitive and motor functions in geriatric individuals, have been found.

Study Design

Study Type: Interventional
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel
Primary Purpose: Treatment
Masking: None

Masking Description

This is an open-label randomized controlled trial. Due to the nature of the exercise interventions, no masking was performed for participants, care providers, investigators, or outcome assessors

Eligibility Criteria

Ages: 65 Years to — (Older Adult)
Sex: All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Inclusion Criteria

•Agreeing to participate in the study
•Being over 65 years of age
•Scoring 24 or higher out of 30 on the Mini Mental State Examination
•Being literate

Exclusion Criteria

•Having a musculoskeletal condition that would prevent the person from performing the tests and exercises.
•Having a vision or hearing impairment that would prevent participation in the study.
•Having a diagnosis of a neurological, psychiatric, or other condition that would prevent participation in the study.
•Having undergone any surgical procedure within the last six months.