Dual-task training

In dual-task balance training, a client does a small mental task, such as basic math, while balancing.^{1International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, pp. 384–385.} The extra task makes it harder for the brain to sort the signals coming in from the body.^{1International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, pp. 384–385.} Moving from a single task to a dual task is one way to make balance work harder.^{2International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 394.}

ACSM links dual-task skill to falls. In Parkinson’s disease, how well people walk while doing a second task is tied to their fall risk and quality of life.^{3Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 931–932.} Dual-task training made their steps longer and quicker.^{3Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 931–932.} It may also help them react better when knocked off balance.^{3Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 931–932.}

For older adults, activities that mix physical, mental and social demands look especially useful. Dancing and team sports are examples. They appeared to help balance and daily function.^{4Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., p. 443.}

In practice

• Add the second task once the person does well at the single task.^{3Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 931–932.}
• Small mental tasks, such as basic math, work as the second task.^{1International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, pp. 384–385.}
• Go carefully with new exercisers. People with Parkinson’s disease struggle to pay attention to more than one task.^{3Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 931–932.}

Where sources differ

The books stress different things. IPTA treats a second task as a normal next step in balance work.^{2International Personal Trainer Academy, Certified Personal Trainer Textbook, p. 394.} ACSM urges great care with dual tasks for new exercisers, and says to avoid complex ones in Parkinson’s disease.^{3Ozemek et al., ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th ed., pp. 931–932.}