A Study of Dual-task Exercise Training to Prevent Falls Among Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild Cognitive Impairment, Accidental Falls, Aging
About this trial
This is an interventional prevention trial for Mild Cognitive Impairment focused on measuring Falls, Exercise, Dual tasking
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: being 65 years and older having complaint of memory loss scoring ≤0.5 on Clinical Dementia Scale having had 1 or more falls in the preceding 12 months or scoring ≥12 seconds on the Timed Up and Go test Exclusion Criteria: scoring <24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination being able to ambulate independently for household distances having medical clearance having participated in any regular and structured tai ji quan-based exercise programs (≥2 times weekly) in the preceding 6 months having a progressive neuromuscular disorder such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis being unwilling to be randomized
Sites / Locations
- Oregon Research InstituteRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Experimental
Experimental
Experimental
Dual-task taj ji quan
Standard tai ji quan
Stretching exercise
This intervention includes training of (a) symmetrical postural tai ji quan forms/movements synchronized with breathing, (b) controlled displacement (weight-shifting) of the body's center of mass over the base of support, (c) dynamic eye-hand movements during whole-body motion, (d) multidirectional (anterior-posterior and medial-lateral) stepping, and (e) rotational ankle sway and self-induced reactive postural recovery actions. The training practices are integrated, gradually over time, with a mix of interactive, cognitively stimulating, dual-task exercises that challenge attention control, working memory, verbalization, response inhibition, processing speed, dual tasking, task switching/prioritization, and spatial orientation and postural awareness.
This intervention includes training of tai ji quan forms with synchronized breathing, supplemented by a set of mini-therapeutic exercises. The training involves repeated practice of (a) symmetrical, coordinated, trunk-driven tai ji quan form movements, (b) controlled displacement (weight-shifting) of the body's center of mass over varying sizes of the base of support, (c) dynamic eye-hand movements during whole-body motion, and (d) multidirectional (anterior-posterior and medial-lateral) stepping. As a balance training therapy, movement practices emphasize a dynamic interplay of stabilizing and self-induced destabilizing postural actions and balance exercises that target mobility, stability limits, and sensory integration.
This active control intervention includes light activities that consist of breathing, stretching, and relaxation exercises. Each exercise session encompasses a variety of light and static stretches for joints and muscles, performed in a seated or standing position. Exercise involves the upper body (arms, neck, upper back, shoulder, back, and chest), lower extremities (quadriceps, hamstrings/calfs, and hips), and gentle and slow trunk rotations. Also included are intermittent light walking, deep abdominal breathing exercises that emphasize inhaling and exhaling to maximum capacity, and progressive relaxation of major muscle groups.