Dual Task Training for Older Adults: New Research Confirms Gains in Balance, Gait, and Confidence

NeuroRehab Team
Thursday, July 3rd, 2025

dual-task training

Many older adults lose confidence when walking in busy places or trying to do two things at once, such as talking and moving at the same time. This difficulty with “dual tasking” raises the risk of tripping, slowing down, or freezing in place — all of which can increase falls and limit independence.

Dual task training is an evidence-based method that teaches the brain and body to handle physical and mental challenges simultaneously. A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) explored how adding dual task exercises to typical balance and gait therapy benefits older adults with mild balance or cognitive concerns.

🔬 What Did This RCT Find?

In this study, participants were divided into two groups. Both received standard balance and walking training. However, only one group added extra dual task practice — such as walking while solving simple mental puzzles.

After several weeks, the dual task group showed clear advantages over the control group:

• Faster walking speed, even while multitasking
• Better balance under distraction
• Improved coordination of thinking and moving
• Reduced “dual task cost” — meaning less mental slowdown when multitasking

These results highlight that adding dual task activities to regular balance routines can make older adults feel safer and more stable in real-world settings.

💡 How Does Dual Task Training Work?

As we age, the brain’s ability to divide attention between moving and thinking often weakens. Daily life, however, rarely involves doing one thing at a time — think of walking while talking to a friend or avoiding obstacles while planning groceries.

Dual task training strengthens the brain’s flexibility. By repeatedly practicing a physical and cognitive task together, people rebuild confidence and train their body to stay steady under mental load.

🏃‍♀️ Simple Dual Task Exercises

Here are practical examples therapists and caregivers can use:

• Walk forward while counting backward from 100 by twos or threes.
• Walk while naming animals, fruits, or cities aloud.
• Carry a partially full cup of water while walking in a straight line.
• Stand on a foam pad or pillow while reciting days of the week backward.

Activities can be made easier or harder by adjusting the walking speed, mental task, or environment (e.g., adding background noise or obstacles).

✅ Safe and Effective Tips

For best results and safety:

• Start with simple combinations in a clutter-free space.
• Use stable supports or a spotter if balance is poor.
• Focus on posture and step quality before adding complex mental tasks.
• Progress gradually — do not rush more difficult tasks until basics feel safe.
• Practice regularly. Short, consistent sessions help the brain learn faster than occasional long ones.

📊 Why It Matters

Dual task training addresses a hidden fall risk: the inability to manage distractions while moving. By including it in balance programs, older adults can feel more confident navigating busy sidewalks, grocery stores, or family gatherings — places where multitasking naturally happens.

🎓 Keep Growing: Free CEU for Clinicians

Want to learn how to integrate dual task training and other modern balance strategies into your practice? Register for our FREE, AOTA-approved CEU today. Equip yourself with practical, research-backed methods to help older adults walk strong and think sharp — step by step.