A Study to Investigate the Efficacy of Cognitive Exercises on Fear of Falls and Dual Task Performance among Geriatric Population in Jalandhar

BACKGROUND- Elderly population is described as 65 years of age or aged. Young–old population consists of the age group between 65 and 75 years of age. The middle–old population consists of the age group between 75 and 85 years of age. Old – old population consists of age group older than 85 years of age. Cognition is a higher cortical function. It is the process of knowing and includes awareness and judgement. Cognitive decline affects the older population by decrease in some mental functions such as verbal capability, numerical abilities, and general knowledge. Various physiotherapeutic approaches have been incorporated for making quality of life of patient worthier. AIM- The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of cognitive exercises on cognitive functions, fear of falls and dual task performance among geriatric population. METHODOLOGY-The total duration of the study was one and a half years. Subjects meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected in the study and were assessed for cognitive functions, fear of falls and dual task performance. A minimum of 30 subjects were taken. They were given dual task intervention and single task performance exercises. The treatment was carried out for 4 days per week for 7 weeks. The data was collected for dependent variables at baseline and at 7th week post treatment. RESULTS-Data analysis was performed by SPSS Software version 18 and the variables were assessed using Paired T-test. The scores of the Falls Efficacy scale were also found to be significant when compared from baseline to 7th week with a p-value of <0.001. It was found that single task at baseline was significant. The results for average score of dual task activity of walking 4 meters with tossing ball was found to be significant at 7th week with p-value of <0.001. Dual task activity of walking 4 meters with cup of water was also found to be significant with p-value of <0.001. The dual task activity of walking 4 meters with dribbling a ball was significant by 7th week with p-value of <0.001. While analyzing the dual task cost for walking with tossing ball it was found that the results were non-significant with a p-value of 0.7157. The results were also non-significant with a p-value of 0.8845 by 7th week for walking with holding a cup of water. However, it was found that the results were significant for dual task cost for walking 4 meters with dribbling a ball at 7th week with a p-value of <0.001. CONCLUSION- The results have significant real -world ramifications for the health and standard of living of the aging population.