Comparing the Efficacy of Dual Task Training, Strength Training and Aerobic Exercises on Higher Mental Functions in Geriatric Population

Background and purpose: Higher mental functions are one of the important determinants of well-being in elderly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dual task training, strength training and Aerobictraining, on higher mental functions in geriatric population. And also to compare which was the most effective training among the three. Methods: Sixty elderly, aged 65-85 years, were randomly assigned into three groups: Aerobic Training (AT), Strength Training (ST), Dual Task Training Group (DT). Mini Mental Status Examination & Montreal Cognitive Assessment were recorded for all participants and the data was recorded before and after nine weeks of training. Training involved three sessions per week. Result: The results suggested that, at post training, the mean MMSE score of DT group was found significantly (pless than0.05 or pless than0.01) different and higher as compared to both AT(p=0.001) and ST (p=0.029), as well as the post test scores of MoCA of both ST (p=0.034) and DT (pless than0.001) was found significantly (pless than0.05 or pless than0.001) different and higher as compared to AT. Conclusion: Study found all the three training (Aerobic, Strength and Dual task) effective in the management of cognition in elderly, but Dual task training was found to be more effective than both Aerobic and Strength training.