Effectiveness of dual-task training in older adults undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial


Özden F., Yalçın M., Uysal İ., IŞIK E. İ., SARI Z., Baser M.

Irish Journal of Medical Science, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s11845-025-04212-y
  • Dergi Adı: Irish Journal of Medical Science
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Cognition, Dual-task, Knee replacement, Motor-cognitive training, Telerehabilitation
  • Çukurova Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Motor-cognitive (dual-task) training may enhance functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, evidence for its integration into telerehabilitation programs is limited. Aim: To investigate the effects of motor-cognitive dual-task training on physical and cognitive performance in older adults undergoing TKA. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 28 older adults undergoing TKA. Participants were assigned to a control group (CG; n=14), which received routine physiotherapy via telerehabilitation following one face-to-face session, or an intervention group (IG; n=14), which received the same protocol plus an 8-week motor-cognitive dual-task training program. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Knee Society Score (KSS), Mini-Mental State Examination, Dual Task Questionnaire, cognitive Timed Up and Go Test (cTUG), Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test (LEMOCOT), 3-Meter Backward Walk Test (3-MBWT), 10-Meter Walk Test (10-MWT), Walking Impact Scale (WALK-12), and Reaction Time Test. Results: The IG demonstrated significantly greater improvements in both rest and activity VAS scores (p<0.001). Both groups showed improvement in 3-MBWT performance (p<0.001), with the IG exhibiting superior gains (p=0.019). The IG also demonstrated greater improvement in cTUG (p<0.001) and LEMOCOT scores (p<0.001). No additional benefits of dual-task training were observed for KSS symptom scores, gait parameters (10-MWT, WALK-12), reaction time, or cognitive outcomes. Conclusion: Integrating dual-task training into telerehabilitation following TKA yields superior improvements in pain, dual-task performance, and somatosensory-motor function in older adults. However, dual-task-specific exercises do not provide additional benefits regarding knee symptoms, gait speed, reaction time, or global cognitive performance compared with standard physiotherapy alone.