Evidence from subgroup comparisons showed no difference in treatment-related changes between cognitive-motor and motor-motor dual tasks , or when interventions were compared to active or inactive controls .
In summary , physical exercise interventions can improve dual-task walking in older adults primarily by increasing the speed at which individuals walk in dual-task conditions .
Currently , evidence concerning whether physical exercise interventions reduce DTC or alter the self-selected dual-task strategy during unobstructed walking is greatly lacking , mainly due to the failure of studies to measure and report reciprocal dual-task effects on the non-gait task
Dual-task interference during walking can substantially limit mobility and increase the risk of  falls among community-dwelling older adults .
Previous systematic review s examining intervention effects on dual-task gait and mobility have not assessed relative dual-task costs ( DTC ) or investigated whether there are differences in treatment-related changes based on the type of dual task or the type of control group .
The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of physical exercise interventions on dual-task performance during walking in older adults .
Effectiveness of a Targeted Exercise Intervention in Reversing Older People's Mild Balance Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Background Previous research has mainly targeted older people with high risk of falling . The effectiveness of exercise interventions in older people with mild levels of balance dysfunction remains unexplored . Objective This study evaluated the effectiveness of a home balance and strength exercise intervention in older people systematic ally screened as having mild balance dysfunction . Design This was a community-based , r and omized controlled trial with assessors blinded to group allocation . Participants Study participants were older people who reported concerns about their balance but remained community ambulant ( n=225 ) . After a comprehensive balance assessment , those classified as having mild balance dysfunction ( n=165 ) were r and omized into the trial . Intervention Participants in the intervention group ( n=83 ) received a 6-month physical therapist – prescribed balance and strength home exercise program , based on the Otago Exercise Program and the Visual Health Information Balance and Vestibular Exercise Kit . Participants in the control group ( n=82 ) continued with their usual activities . Outcome Measures Laboratory and clinical measures of balance , mobility , and strength were assessed at baseline and at a 6-month re assessment . Results After 6 months , the intervention group ( n=59 ) significantly improved relative to the control group ( n=62 ) for : the Functional Reach Test ( mean difference=2.95 cm , 95 % confidence interval [CI]=1.75 to 4.15 ) , the Step Test ( 2.10 steps/15 seconds , 95 % CI=1.17 to 3.02 ) , hip abductor strength ( 0.02 , 95 % CI=0.01 to 0.03 ) , and gait step width ( 2.17 cm , 95 % CI=1.23 to 3.11 ) . There were nonsignificant trends for improvement on most other measures . Fourteen participants in the intervention group ( 23.7 % ) achieved balance performance within the normative range following the exercise program , compared with 3 participants ( 4.8 % ) in the control group . Limitations Loss to follow-up ( 26.6 % ) was slightly higher than in some similar studies but was unlikely to have biased the results . Conclusions A physical therapist – prescribed home exercise program targeting balance and strength was effective in improving a number of balance and related outcomes in older people with mild balance impairment
Evidence from subgroup comparisons showed no difference in treatment-related changes between cognitive-motor and motor-motor dual tasks , or when interventions were compared to active or inactive controls .
In summary , physical exercise interventions can improve dual-task walking in older adults primarily by increasing the speed at which individuals walk in dual-task conditions .
Currently , evidence concerning whether physical exercise interventions reduce DTC or alter the self-selected dual-task strategy during unobstructed walking is greatly lacking , mainly due to the failure of studies to measure and report reciprocal dual-task effects on the non-gait task
Dual-task interference during walking can substantially limit mobility and increase the risk of  falls among community-dwelling older adults .
Previous systematic review s examining intervention effects on dual-task gait and mobility have not assessed relative dual-task costs ( DTC ) or investigated whether there are differences in treatment-related changes based on the type of dual task or the type of control group .
The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of physical exercise interventions on dual-task performance during walking in older adults .