Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Physical Therapy with Cognitive-Motor Dual Task Training in Reducing Fall Risk in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Neuromuscular Therapy and Dual Task Training for Fall Risk in MCI

Mudassar  Rooh-ul-Muazzam; Munaish  Kumar; Jai  Vansi; Jeetandar; Ravi Kumar  Katta; Humaira  Azhar

Authors

Mudassar Rooh-ul-Muazzam Athlean Physical Therapy, Islamabad, Pakistan
Munaish Kumar Islamabad Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
Jai Vansi Al-Zahra Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Jeetandar Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Sindh
Ravi Kumar Katta Telangana State Vaidya Vidhana Parishad Area Hospital, Ghanpur Station, Telangana, India
Humaira Azhar Business Professional People University, Shepherd's Bush, West London, England

Keywords:

Cognition, Elderly, Mobility, Postural Balance

Abstract

Background: A study investigating the effectiveness of neuromuscular physical therapy combined with cognitive-motor dual-task training could provide valuable insights into optimizing fall prevention strategies. Such research would help establish evidence-based protocols that maximize functional outcomes and improve the quality of life for older adults at risk of falls.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-intervention assessments was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of combining neuromuscular physical therapy with cognitive-motor dual-task training in reducing the risk of falls among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Results: The effects of interventions were determined by comparing the average values of outcome measures taken at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention and the findings provide significant improvement where the values of Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment at baseline were 22.63±3.27 that was significantly (p<0.001) improved to 27.21±3.11 after twelve weeks of intervention. In addition to that value of cognitive functioning as observed at baseline was 21.36±2.12 was also significantly (p<0.001) improved to 25.66±3.21 after intervention.

Conclusion: The 12-week intervention program combining neuromuscular physical therapy and cognitive-motor dual-task training significantly improved functional mobility, cognitive function, and dynamic balance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The results indicate that the intervention was effective in enhancing balance and reducing fall risk, as evidenced by the improvements in Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test scores.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59564/amrj/03.01/016

Author Biographies

Mudassar Rooh-ul-Muazzam, Athlean Physical Therapy, Islamabad, Pakistan

Head Practitioner

Munaish Kumar, Islamabad Institute of Health Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan

Senior Physiotherapist

Jai Vansi, Al-Zahra Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Physiotherapist

Jeetandar, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Sindh

Manager

Ravi Kumar Katta, Telangana State Vaidya Vidhana Parishad Area Hospital, Ghanpur Station, Telangana, India

Physiotherapist

Humaira Azhar, Business Professional People University, Shepherd's Bush, West London, England

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