Do Motor-Cognitive and Motor-Motor Dual-Task Training Differently Affect Dual-Task Interference in Individuals With Intellectual Disability?

This study explored the effect of different dual-task (DT) training programs on DT interference in adults with intellectual disability. Center-of-pressure (CoP) mean velocity in single-task (ST) and cognitive-DT conditions and the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT) during ST, cognitive-DT, and motor-DT conditions were assessed before and after intervention in a cognitive-motor training group, a motor-motor training group, and a control group. Before training, CoP mean velocity and TUGT time increased (p < .001) in DT compared with the ST condition. After training, the CoP mean velocity values remained unchanged (p = .07) in DT compared with the ST condition among the cognitive-motor training group. Furthermore, compared with the ST condition, no increase (p = 1) was reported in the TUGT time during the cognitive-DT condition for the cognitive-motor training group and during the motor-DT for the motor-motor training group (p = .12). The effect of DT training on DT interference depends on the training modality.

Time Limited Benefits of Physical and Proprioceptive Training on Physical Fitness Components in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders.

In this study, we explored the immediate and three-month follow-up effects of physical training on physical fitness in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We randomly assigned 20 children with ASD (age 8-11 years) into an experimental group (EG; n = 10) and a control group (CG; n = 10). The EG participated in an 8-week training program involving both strength and proprioceptive exercises (three 60-minute sessions/week), while the CG simply maintained their daily activities. We assessed physical fitness components for each participant at baseline, post-training, and at a 3-month follow-up. The physical training intervention significantly improved physical fitness of these children with ASD in terms of their flexibility (p < .001; 32.46%), lower limbs strength (p = .003; 36.98%), lower body power (p < .001; 41.78%) and functional mobility (p < .001; 25.56%). However, these addition training-induced gains were lost at follow-up for lower limbs strength (p < .001), flexibility (p < .001), and functional mobility (p = .034)). Physical training was effective for improving physical fitness in children with ASD, but the loss of these gains at three months follow-up underscored the need for continuous physical exercise.

The relationship between postural control and cognitive functioning following Zumba dancing in middle-aged women: A randomized clinical trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of 12-week Zumba dancing on postural control and cognitive parameters and the correlations between these parameters in middle-aged women. Thirty-eight women, aged between 50 and 60 years, were randomly allocated to a Zumba group (ZG) or control group. Postural control and cognitive functions [working memory (WM) and reaction time (RT)] were assessed before and after 12 weeks of a Zumba dancing program using a stabilometric force platform, Corsi Block-Tapping Task and Simple RT tests, respectively. The results indicate that ZG showed significantly (p<.01) better balance performances when standing on a stable surface in both visual conditions [firm surface with eyes opened (EO) (20,9%) and eyes closed (EC) (12.3%)]. However, when standing on an unstable surface in both visual conditions (foam surface with EO/EC), the ZG showed no significant improvement in postural control. It seems that the benefits of Zumba on postural control depend on the sensory condition. Besides, 12-week Zumba dancing was not sufficient to significantly enhance cognitive performances (RT/WM) performances. These cognitive performances were related to postural control in challenging conditions and can be considered an effective tool for monitoring postural performances following an intervention program. Clinicians should, therefore, focus on interventions that boost cognitive functions in middle-aged women to achieve optimal postural control, mainly in challenging conditions, in order to prevent the risk and fear of falls as well as the incidence of falling.

Cognitive-motor interference during standing stance across different postural and cognitive tasks in individuals with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) presented both cognitive and motor impairments that could influence each other. Therefore, exploring cognitive-motor interference during standing stance is relevant in this population. AIMS: This study explored the dual task (DT) effects on postural balance during diverse cognitive tasks and sensory manipulations in individuals with DS, compared to those with typical development (TD). METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Fifteen adolescents with DS (age = 14.26 ± 1.27 years; height = 1.50 ± 0.02; weight = 46.46 ± 4.03 kg; BMI =20.54 ± 1.51 kg/m2) and thirteen with TD (age = 14.07 ± 1.11 years; height = 1.50 ± 0.05; weight = 44.92 ± 4.15 kg; BMI =19.77 ± 0.94 kg/m2) participated in this study. Postural and cognitive performances for the selective span task (SST) and the verbal fluency (VF) were recorded during single task (ST) and DT conditions. Postural conditions were: firm eyes open (firm-EO), firm eyes closed (firm-EC) and foam-EO. Motor and cognitive DT costs (DTC) were calculated and analyzed across these different cognitive and postural conditions. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: In the DS group, postural performance was significantly (p < 0.001) altered during all DT conditions, compared to the ST situation. Moreover, the motor DTC was significantly (p < 0.001) higher while performing the VF task than the SST. However, in the control group, postural performance was significantly (p < 0.001) impaired only while performing the VF test in the DT-Firm EO condition. For both groups, cognitive performances were significantly (p < 0.05) altered in all DT conditions compared to the ST one. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with DS are more prone to DT effects on postural balance than those with TD.

Effects of 12 weeks of caffeine supplementation and Zumba training on postural balance and cognitive performances in middle-aged women.

The researchers aimed to examine the effect of 12-week supplementing (100 mg/day) caffeine with Zumba training on postural and cognitive performances in middle-aged women. Fifty-six middle-aged women who participated in this study, were randomized into; a caffeine-Zumba (CZG), Zumba (ZG) and control groups. In two-testing sessions, postural balance was evaluated using a stabilometric platform, and for cognitive performances, Simple Reaction Time and Corsi Block-Tapping Task tests were used. We found that ZG and CZG showed a significant improvement in postural balance on the firm surface condition (p < .05) in the post- compared to pretest session. Whereas, ZG showed no significant improvement in postural performance on the foam surface condition. Only CZG revealed significant enhancements (p < .05) in cognitive and postural, in the foam surface condition, performances. In conclusion, supplementing caffeine with 12-week Zumba training was effective in improving both cognitive and postural balance, even in challenging conditions, performances in middle-aged women.

Dual-Task Training Effects on the Cognitive-Motor Interference in Individuals with Intellectual Disability.

This study explored the effect of dual task (DT) training compared to single task (ST) training on postural and cognitive performances in DT conditions in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Postural sways and cognitive performances were measured separately and simultaneously before and after 8 weeks in the ST training group (STTG), the DT training group (DTTG) and the control group (CG) that did not received any training. Before training, postural sways and cognitive performances were higher in the DT condition compared to ST one in all groups. After training, postural sways were higher in the DT condition compared to the ST only in the STTG and the CG. The cognitive performance increased after training only in the DTTG.

Swimming, better than tennis, develops sensorimotor adaptabilities involved in postural balance in 5-6-year-old children.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to evaluate the postural balance of young tennis players and young swimming practitioners in static and dynamic conditions. METHODS: Thirty-six children (5-6 years old) participated in 3 groups: 12 tennis players, 12 swimming practitioners and 12 controls. Static and dynamic [in medial lateral (ML) and anterior posterior (AP) planes] postural balance were assessed by the centre of pressure sways using a stabilometric force platform in the eyes opened (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions. RESULTS: In the EO condition, swimming practitioners and tennis players had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) centre of pressure mean velocity (CoPVm) compared to controls in both static and dynamic medial-lateral (D-ML) postures. In the D-ML posture, swimming practitioners showed lower CoPVm compared to tennis players. However, in the EC condition, only the swimming practitioners showed better static and D-ML postural balance (p < 0.05) compared to their counterparts. In the static posture, the Romberg index value was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in tennis players compared to the two other groups. CONCLUSION: Tennis players developed a higher reliance on vision to maintain balance, whereas swimming practitioners were more stable in challenging postural conditions. Clinicians should consider incorporating swimming training rather than tennis as an appropriate balance training in fall-prevention programs.

Dual-task affects postural balance performance in children with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: Dual-task designs have been used to study the degree of automatic and controlled processing involved in postural balance. The aim of the present study was to explore postural balance performance during dual-task condition in children with intellectual disability compared to those with typical development. METHODS: Fifteen children with intellectual disability aged from 7 to 12 years old and fifteen age-matched children with typical development participated in this study. Participants were asked to maintain static balance on a force platform during a baseline condition (single task) and while performing the Picture Recognition Memory Test (dual-task condition). RESULTS: The results showed that dual-task similarly affects postural performance of both typically developing children and those with intellectual disability (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Children with intellectual disability and children with typical development have difficulties in maintaining their balance when carrying out a concurrent cognitive task. Intellectual disability did not lead to a more strongly compromised balance performance in dual-task situation.

Time-of-Day Effect on Postural Balance and Its Associations with Menopausal Symptoms in Postmenopausal Women.

Postmenopausal women suffer from postural balance issues. During a 24-hour time span, postural performance undergoes radical changes as influenced by the circadian rhythm. In this study, we aimed to investigate time-of-day effects on postural balance in postmenopausal women and balance relationships with menopausal symptoms. Two groups of women, aged 40-50 years, participated in this study: a menopausal group and a control group. We evaluated their postural balance and menopausal symptoms (mood, sleepiness and fatigue) in five sessions over the course of a day: at 06:00 hours, at 10:00, at 14:00, at 18:00 and at 22:00. The results showed that postural balance (center of pressure area (CoParea)) values of postmenopausal women were significantly worse (p < .05) at 22:00. Moreover, at this time-of-day, participants in the menopausal group were more tired, less vigilant and experienced a lower mood. We found negative correlations between postural balance and both mood and fatigue levels. However, there was no time-of-day effect on postural balance, mood, fatigue, and sleepiness among participants in the control group. Thus, time-of-day should be considered a factor to control when assessing postural balance and designing intervention studies for postmenopausal women; and it is important for these women to be cautious of fall risks at night, as they are then less stable than at other times-of-day.

Different types of combined training programs to improve postural balance in single and dual tasks in children with intellectual disability.

The study explored the effects of two combined training (Strength-Proprioceptive versus Cognitive-Balance) programs on postural balance during single-task and dual-task conditions in children with intellectual disability. The postural balance and the second cognitive-task performances were evaluated before and after 8-week of training in two groups: Strength-Proprioceptive Group (n = 12) and Cognitive-Balance Group (n = 10). Results showed that, in both groups and regardless of the training effect, the postural balance performance was significantly (p < 0.05) altered in the dual-task condition compared to the single-task one. After-training session, postural balance performance was improved significantly (p < 0.001) for all task conditions. After training session, the second cognitive-task performance was improved in the Strength-Proprioceptive Group (p < 0.001) and Cognitive-Balance Groupe (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the combined training programs, Strength-Proprioceptive and Cognitive-Balance, improved postural balance performance in single-task and dual-task conditions in children with intellectual disability.

Cognitive-Motor Interference during Dual Tasks in Blind Children.

The aim of the present study was to compare the dual-task (DT) performance in blind children with sighted ones while concurrently performing a motor task (upright standing) with cognitive (Letter fluency (LF) or Category fluency (CF)) tasks. The Center of pressure mean velocity (CoPVm) and the cognitive performances were recorded during single (ST) and DT conditions. Results showed that, for both groups, CoPVm values increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the DT compared to ST condition. The CoPVm values were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in blind children, compared to controls only in the DT-CF condition. In conclusion, balance performance of blind and typically developed children is affected by dual tasking. Interference between motor and cognitive tasks has more pronounced effects on balance performance in blind children, compared to controls. This difference was observed only when performing the CF task concurrently with the postural balance task.

Caffeine consumption improves motor and cognitive performances during dual tasking in middle-aged women.

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of caffeine consumption (CC) on cognitive motor interference while walking and maintaining balance in middle-aged women. Twenty middle-aged women (52 ± 2.0 years; height 158 ± 2.0 cm; body mass 77 ± 14.9 kg; body mass index ±3.4 kg/m2, mean ± SD) participated in this study. Participants completed measures of a single task (ST) cognitive, a ST motor and a dual task (DT) cognitive-motor tests before and after either caffeine (100 mg) or placebo ingestion. Results showed that before CC, both motor (P < 0.0005) and cognitive (P < 0.05) performances decreased in the DT condition compared to the ST one. After CC, no significant difference in the motor performances between ST and DT conditions was observed. In fact, both standing and walking DT performances were improved as indicated by a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the dual task cost (DTC) of motor performances. In conclusion, middle-aged women showed difficulties to manage DT situations in which a cognitive and a motor task must be performed concurrently. Caffeine is an effective ergogenic aid to improve both cognitive and motor performances during DT conditions and could be an alternative to nullify the deteriorating effect of DT when maintaining balance and walking in middle-aged women. These enhancements could offer great potential for everyday functioning.

Time-of-day effects on the postural control and symptoms in women with rheumatoid arthritis.

The present study was designed to assess time-of-day effects on postural balance and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A total of 15 American College of Rheumatology functional class I and II RA patients and 15 healthy controls aged between 45 and 55 (mean age: 50 ± 3) years of age voluntarily participated. We conducted a case-control, repeated-measures in design study. Postural balance, axillary temperature, pain intensity, fatigue, and sleepiness were measured during five test sessions at 06:00, 10:00, 14:00, 18:00, and 22:00 h. Participants were randomized to the order of test sessions, and each session was separated by >36 hours to minimize/eliminate learning effects. Center of pressure area (CoParea) (p < .001), pain (p < .01), and sleepiness (p < .05) values were significantly higher at 06:00 and 22:00 h compared to 10:00, 14:00, and 18:00 h in the RA group. Fatigue significantly increased (p < .05) at 22:00 h in comparison to 10:00, 14:00, and 18:00 h in the RA group. Axillary temperature was significantly (p < .001) lower at 06:00 and at 22:00 h compared to 10:00, 14:00, and 18:00 h in the RA group. In the control group, there were no significant time-of-day difference in fatigue, but axillary temperature was significantly lower (p < .01) at 06:00 h compared to 10:00 h, 14:00, 18:00, and 22:00 h, sleepiness values were significantly higher (p < .05) at 06:00 and 22:00 h compared to 10:00, 14:00, and 18:00 h, and revealed CoParea values were significantly (p < .05) higher at 06:00 h compared to 14:00 h. Finally, in the RA group, significant correlations were found between values of CoParea and pain (r = 0.47; p < .001), sleepiness (r = 0.39; p < .01), fatigue (r = -0.46; p < .001), and also axillary temperature (r = -0.35; p < .001). Multiple linear regression analysis further indicated that in the RA group, time-of-day variation in postural balance was predicted collectively by that in pain and fatigue (30.7%) (R2 = 0.307; F = 11.53; p < .001). Our results first suggest that time-of-day significantly affects postural balance, axillary temperature, pain intensity, fatigue, and sleepiness in RA patients and second that the temporal variation observed in pain, fatigue, and somnolence are concomitant with that observed in postural balance.Abbreviations: RA: Rheumatoid arthritis; H&O questionnaire: Horne and Ostberg questionnaire; PSQI: Pittsburgh sleep quality index; HAQ: Health assessment questionnaire; SF-36: the short form-36; WOMAC: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index; CoP: The Center of foot Pressure; CoParea: The Center of foot Pressure area; VAS: The Visual Analogue Scale; KSS: Karolinska Sleepiness Scale.

Acute effects of low versus high caffeine dose consumption on postural balance in middle-aged women.

While caffeine effects on postural balance are controversial and while postural sways are an issue for middle-aged adults, no data is available concerning the caffeine effects on these sways. As women have a greater sensitivity to caffeine consumption than men, we hypothesized that caffeine may positively affect these sways. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effects of different caffeine doses on postural balance in middle-aged women. Twenty-five healthy middle-aged women were recruited to evaluate their postural performance, after treatment capsule intake. As a result, significant improvements were observed only in eyes closed on foam surface, after low caffeine consumption.

Functional and cognitive responses to caffeine intake in middle-aged women are dose depending.

Middle-aged women display many physiological and cognitive alterations resulting from aging and physical inactivity as well as other changes that occur as a function of menopause. Caffeine consumption is highest in this age with women having a particular greater sensitivity to caffeine than men. Its effects on functional and cognitive functions are controversial and seem to depend on the dose intake. This study aimed to assess the effect of low (100mg) and high (400mg) doses of caffeine consumption on cognitive (simple reaction time) and functional (upper and low body muscle endurance, aerobic endurance and functional mobility) performances. These performances were evaluated in 19 healthy middle-aged women by the 30-Second Chair Stand test for lower body muscle endurance, the 30sec Arm Curl Test for upper body muscle endurance, the 2-Minute Step test for aerobic endurance, The Timed Up and Go test for functional mobility and the simple reaction time test for reaction time, 60min after a treatment capsule intake (100mg caffeine/400mg caffeine/placebo). Low caffeine consumption significantly improved (p<.005) cognitive performance, while high caffeine consumption did not. However, the functional performance significantly improved (p<.05) after high caffeine consumption but not after low caffeine consumption. Except, the functional mobility performance significantly improved (p<.05) after both low and high caffeine consumption with better improvement (p<.05) after the high dose. In conclusion, low caffeine consumption improved cognitive performance and high caffeine consumption improved functional performance but the functional mobility improved after both low and high caffeine consumption in middleaged women.

Time of day effect on balance performance, functional capacities and risk of fall in women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: This study explored the time of day effect of balance performance, functional capacities and risk of fall in three different times in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the association between these variations and those of RA symptoms.Methods: A "discontinual" protocol, composed of three test sessions, carried out at 6 am, 2 pm and 10 pm was set up, in order to investigate the time of day effect of balance performance, functional capacities, risk of fall, stiffness, range of motion, swollen and painful joints in women with RA.Results: Time Up and Go Test (TUGT), Functional Reach Test (FRT) and tinetti test scores were significantly higher (p < .01) at 6 am and at 10 pm compared to 2 pm. Stiffness, range of motion, swollen and painful joints values were significantly higher (p < .01) at 6 am and at 10 pm compared to 2 pm. A significant difference was observed on the stiffness, range of motion and swollen joints values between 6 am and 10 pm that were higher at 6 am (p < .05).Using Pearson's coefficient, correlations were found between RA symptom values; and TUGT, FRT and Tinetti test scores.Conclusion: Results showed a time of day effect of balance performance, functional capacities and risk of falls in women with RA. This variation indicates an alteration of performance at 6 am and 10 pm. Fluctuations of stiffness, limited range of motion, swollen and painful joints noted are concomitant to those of balance performance, functional capacities, and risk of fall.Abbreviations: RA: rheumatoid arthritis; H&O questionnaire: Horne and Ostberg questionnaire; PSQI: Pittsburgh sleep quality index; HAQ: health assessment questionnaire; SF-36: the short form-36; WOMAC: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index; TUGT: Time Up and Go Test; FRT: Functional Reach Test.

Using a dual-task paradigm to investigate motor and cognitive performance in children with intellectual disability.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of dual-task (DT) constraints on walking performance in children with intellectual disability (ID). METHODS: Fifteen children with intellectual disability and fifteen age-matched typically developed children were asked to walk at a preferred speed: along a path (baseline condition), while carrying a glass of water and while quoting animal names. RESULTS: The present study findings showed that DTs affect walking performance of both typically developed children and those with intellectual disability. In children with intellectual disability, DT walking decrements were significantly higher when performing a concurrent motor task than cognitive one. CONCLUSIONS: DT constraints with a secondary motor or cognitive tasks seemed challenging for children with intellectual disability suggesting that future treatments or assessments should consider using DT constraints to manipulate the difficulty of tasks.

Ramadan Fasting Effects on Postural Control in the Elderly: A Comparison Between Fallers and Non-fallers.

Our purpose was to compare the effects of Ramadan fasting on postural control in elderly fallers and non-fallers. The protocol involved twenty-four healthy old volunteer males divided into two groups: fallers (mean age = 75.43 ± 5.26 years, weight = 67.25 ± 5.30 kg and height = 1.65 ± 0.02 m) and non-fallers (mean age = 72.3 ± 6.42 years, weight = 65.5 ± 6.15 kg and height = 1.64 ± 0.03 m). Participants performed a simple reaction time test (SRT) and a postural control protocol on four different occasions: one week before Ramadan (BR), during the second (SWR) and the fourth week (FWR) of Ramadan and three weeks after Ramadan (AR). Center of pressure (CoP) parameters [the CoP medial-lateral length (CoPX), and the CoP antero-posterior length (CoPY)] were assessed using a force platform under two surface conditions: Firm surface and Foam surface. The results showed that Ramadan fasting influences similarly fallers and non-fallers. In fact, for both groups, the CoPX and the CoPY values increased significantly during the SWR and the FWR compared to BR. These CoP parameters decreased significantly in the Firm surface conditions in the FWR. Moreover, the CoP parameters were significantly higher during the FWR and AR in comparison with BR in the Foam surface conditions. However, the amplitude of increase of the CoP[X] % and the CoP[Y] % (ΔCoP[X] % and ΔCoP[Y] %) between BR and the SWR was significantly higher in the fallers than non-fallers. The SRT of elderly fallers and non-fallers was significantly higher in the SWR and in the FWR compared to BR. In conclusion, Ramadan fasting alters similarly postural control of elderly fallers and non-fallers, but the amplitude (ΔCoP[X] % and ΔCoP[Y] %) of this alteration seems to be more pronounced in fallers than non-fallers. A probable beginning of adaptation occurs at the FWR. However, three weeks seems to be insufficient to recover postural control alterations due to Ramadan fasting in difficult sensory conditions in elderly fallers and non-fallers.

An open-label randomized control trial of hopping and jumping training versus sensorimotor rehabilitation programme on postural capacities in individuals with intellectual disabilities.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of a hopping and jumping training programme (HJP) versus a sensorimotor rehabilitation programme (SRP) on postural performances in children with intellectual disability. METHODS: Three groups of children with intellectual disability participated in the study: the HJP group, the SRP group and a control group. Postural capacities were tested with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Tinetti tests. The HJP and the SRP groups participated in the training programmes for eight weeks. Then, all participants were retested. RESULTS: Results showed that before the training period, there are no significant differences between the three groups. After the training period, the BBS and the Tinetti scores increased significantly in the HJP group and the SRP group with greater extent in the HJP group than in the STP group. CONCLUSION: We suggest that HJP training is more recommended to improve postural capacities in children with intellectual disability.

Combined physical-cognitive training enhances postural performances during daily life tasks in older adults.

Physical-cognitive interventions seem promising to improve balance and gait performances and prevent falls in the elderly. Although these beneficial effects, it is still not clear whether these physical-cognitive training modalities leads to more general non-specific adaptations that can be transferred to some measures reflecting every day abilities. This randomized controlled trial examined postural (center of pressure oscillations), physical (lower body strength, gait speed, functional mobility, dynamic balance) and cognitive performances (reaction time) and postural performance during daily life tasks (walking while conversing on a phone and maintaining an upright standing posture while buttoning a shirt) in older adults (66.29±3.61years) pre- and post- 6-months physical and physical-cognitive interventions. Results showed that both training modalities improve balance (p<0.001), physical functions (p<0.01) and attention (p<0.001) in older adults. Only simultaneous physical-cognitive training enhances performance in daily life tasks. Three months after the intervention, these improvements were generally maintained for physical functions and attention and were not maintained for the postural performances in daily life task. In conclusion, physical training improves postural balance, mobility, attention and physical functions in older adults. Only simultaneous physical-cognitive training modality enhances performance in some tasks relative to every day abilities. Nonetheless, these gains were lost after 3 months of detraining period suggesting a need for older people to participate regularly in such training for their daily life independence.