Supervised and self-directed technology-based dual-task exercise training programme for older adults at risk of falling - Protocol for a feasibility study.

Falls among older adults pose a significant public health challenge, as they lead to severe outcomes such as fractures and loss of independence. Research has shown that training cognitive function and balance simultaneously, termed Dual-Task (DT) training, improves mobility and reduces fall risks in...

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Main Authors: Prerna Mathur, Helen Thomas, Angela Cooper, Magdalena Chechlacz, Afroditi Stathi, Victoria Goodyear, Caroline Miller, Taylor Krauss, Natalie Ives, Laura Magill, Philip Kinghorn, Daisy Wilson, Shin-Yi Chiou
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2025-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314829
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author Prerna Mathur
Helen Thomas
Angela Cooper
Magdalena Chechlacz
Afroditi Stathi
Victoria Goodyear
Caroline Miller
Taylor Krauss
Natalie Ives
Laura Magill
Philip Kinghorn
Daisy Wilson
Shin-Yi Chiou
author_facet Prerna Mathur
Helen Thomas
Angela Cooper
Magdalena Chechlacz
Afroditi Stathi
Victoria Goodyear
Caroline Miller
Taylor Krauss
Natalie Ives
Laura Magill
Philip Kinghorn
Daisy Wilson
Shin-Yi Chiou
author_sort Prerna Mathur
collection DOAJ
description Falls among older adults pose a significant public health challenge, as they lead to severe outcomes such as fractures and loss of independence. Research has shown that training cognitive function and balance simultaneously, termed Dual-Task (DT) training, improves mobility and reduces fall risks in older adults. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a blended supervised and self-directed technology-based DT training programme for older adults who have high risk of falling. This is a single-arm, non-randomised feasibility study employing quantitative and qualitative methods. Fifty healthy adults aged 65 years or above will be recruited from the NHS primary and secondary care pathways and from the community. Participants will undergo supervised cognitive and balance DT training for 12 weeks, followed by self-directed DT training for an additional 12 weeks. The cognitive training will be delivered using a commercial mobile application (app) available from the AppStore or Google Play. The balance training will involve static (Marching on the spot, Tandem Stand, Hip Abduction & Extension, Squats, Tiptoe Stand, and Pendulum/Sideways Sway) and dynamic (Figure of Eight Walk, Walking Forwards and Backwards, Lunges, Functional Reach, Toe Tapping, Upper Limb Strength Exercises, and Side-Steps/Simple Grapevine) exercises focused on improving balance, postural stability and strength. Feasibility outcomes will be recruitment, adherence, usage of the app, and attrition. Outcomes measure data, that will be collected at baseline and at 24 weeks, includes the Timed- Up and Go (TUG) test (likely primary outcome in any future trial), along with self-reported questionnaires assessing cognition, fear of falling, quality of life, healthcare service usage, and the self-reported number of falls. Focus group interviews will be conducted with thirty participants and thirty healthcare professionals for in-depth exploration of the feasibility and acceptability of the DT training programme.
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spelling doaj-art-ceda46520f0a4d7c8709b9f356f9567d2025-08-20T01:55:30ZengPublic Library of Science (PLoS)PLoS ONE1932-62032025-01-01203e031482910.1371/journal.pone.0314829Supervised and self-directed technology-based dual-task exercise training programme for older adults at risk of falling - Protocol for a feasibility study.Prerna MathurHelen ThomasAngela CooperMagdalena ChechlaczAfroditi StathiVictoria GoodyearCaroline MillerTaylor KraussNatalie IvesLaura MagillPhilip KinghornDaisy WilsonShin-Yi ChiouFalls among older adults pose a significant public health challenge, as they lead to severe outcomes such as fractures and loss of independence. Research has shown that training cognitive function and balance simultaneously, termed Dual-Task (DT) training, improves mobility and reduces fall risks in older adults. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a blended supervised and self-directed technology-based DT training programme for older adults who have high risk of falling. This is a single-arm, non-randomised feasibility study employing quantitative and qualitative methods. Fifty healthy adults aged 65 years or above will be recruited from the NHS primary and secondary care pathways and from the community. Participants will undergo supervised cognitive and balance DT training for 12 weeks, followed by self-directed DT training for an additional 12 weeks. The cognitive training will be delivered using a commercial mobile application (app) available from the AppStore or Google Play. The balance training will involve static (Marching on the spot, Tandem Stand, Hip Abduction & Extension, Squats, Tiptoe Stand, and Pendulum/Sideways Sway) and dynamic (Figure of Eight Walk, Walking Forwards and Backwards, Lunges, Functional Reach, Toe Tapping, Upper Limb Strength Exercises, and Side-Steps/Simple Grapevine) exercises focused on improving balance, postural stability and strength. Feasibility outcomes will be recruitment, adherence, usage of the app, and attrition. Outcomes measure data, that will be collected at baseline and at 24 weeks, includes the Timed- Up and Go (TUG) test (likely primary outcome in any future trial), along with self-reported questionnaires assessing cognition, fear of falling, quality of life, healthcare service usage, and the self-reported number of falls. Focus group interviews will be conducted with thirty participants and thirty healthcare professionals for in-depth exploration of the feasibility and acceptability of the DT training programme.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314829
spellingShingle Prerna Mathur
Helen Thomas
Angela Cooper
Magdalena Chechlacz
Afroditi Stathi
Victoria Goodyear
Caroline Miller
Taylor Krauss
Natalie Ives
Laura Magill
Philip Kinghorn
Daisy Wilson
Shin-Yi Chiou
Supervised and self-directed technology-based dual-task exercise training programme for older adults at risk of falling - Protocol for a feasibility study.
PLoS ONE
title Supervised and self-directed technology-based dual-task exercise training programme for older adults at risk of falling - Protocol for a feasibility study.
title_full Supervised and self-directed technology-based dual-task exercise training programme for older adults at risk of falling - Protocol for a feasibility study.
title_fullStr Supervised and self-directed technology-based dual-task exercise training programme for older adults at risk of falling - Protocol for a feasibility study.
title_full_unstemmed Supervised and self-directed technology-based dual-task exercise training programme for older adults at risk of falling - Protocol for a feasibility study.
title_short Supervised and self-directed technology-based dual-task exercise training programme for older adults at risk of falling - Protocol for a feasibility study.
title_sort supervised and self directed technology based dual task exercise training programme for older adults at risk of falling protocol for a feasibility study
url https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0314829
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