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Changes in dual-task performance after 5 months of karate and fitness training for older adults to enhance fall prevention

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Abstract

Background

Demographic changes resulting in an aging population are major factors for an increase of fall-related injuries. Especially in situations where dual tasks such as walking whilst talking have to be performed simultaneously the risk of a fall-related injury increases. It is well known that some types of martial art (e.g. Tai Chi) can reduce the risk of a fall. It is unknown if the same is true for karate.

Aim and methods

In this randomized, controlled study 68 people with a mean age of 69 years underwent 5-month karate training, 5-month fitness training or were part of a control group. Before and after the time of intervention a gait analysis with normal walk, a cognitive dual task and a motor dual task were performed. The gait parameter step frequency, walking speed, single-step time and single-step length were investigated.

Results

It could be seen that all groups improved their gait parameters after a 5-month period, even the control group. A sporty intervention seems to affect mainly the temporal gait parameters positively. This effect was especially demonstrated for normal walk and cognitive dual task.

Conclusions

An improvement of the human walk seems to be possible through karate and fitness training, even under dual-task conditions. A prolonged intervention time with multiple repetitions of gait analysis could give better evidence if karate is a useful tool to increase fall prevention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sports Science, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Zschokkestraße 32, 39104, Magdeburg, Germany

    Gerald Pliske, Peter Emmermacher, Veronika Weinbeer & Kerstin Witte

  2. Department of Traumatology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany

    Gerald Pliske

Authors
  1. Gerald Pliske
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  2. Peter Emmermacher
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  3. Veronika Weinbeer
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  4. Kerstin Witte
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gerald Pliske.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

The study was conducted in accordance with the guidelines proposed in the Declaration of Helsinki and was approved by the Local University and Hospital Ethics Committee.

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All patients gave their informed consent.

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Pliske, G., Emmermacher, P., Weinbeer, V. et al. Changes in dual-task performance after 5 months of karate and fitness training for older adults to enhance fall prevention. Aging Clin Exp Res 28, 1179–1186 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-015-0508-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-015-0508-z

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