Effects of dual-task training on attentional function among community-dwelling older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

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BACKGROUND: Attentional function is the basis of cognitive function, and its decline affects the daily lives of older adults. Previous studies have not consistently reported the effects of dual-task training (DTT) on attentional function in community-dwelling older adults. This study aims to verify the effectiveness of DTT by combining "motor tasks" and "cognitive tasks involving motor activity" with a focus on inducing dual-task interference (DTI). METHODS: The study design is a randomized controlled trial. The intervention consists of DTT that combines "motor tasks" involving lower limb movements with "cognitive tasks involving motor activity" incorporating complex finger movements. The program will be implemented in a DTI setting, and tasks will be adjusted individually for each participant. The intervention group will be conducted twice per week for four weeks, with each session lasting one hour. The control group will continue with the participants' usual daily activities for four weeks. Attentional function will be assessed as the primary outcome using the Trail Making Test-Japanese and as secondary outcomes using the digit span test and the Stroop and reverse-Stroop test. Balance function will be measured using the single-leg stance test. All evaluations will be conducted at baseline and post-intervention. In the statistical analysis, paired t-tests will be used to compare pre-intervention and post-intervention changes within each group, and analysis of covariance will be used to compare intervention effects between groups. DISCUSSION: Based on the study objectives, the maintenance and improvement of attentional function should be promoted to help community-dwelling older adults maintain healthy lives in familiar environments. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN, UMIN000057681. Registered on 30 June 2025. UMIN website https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000065882 .

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