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Effect of dual-task training on postural stability in obese individuals: a randomised controlled trial

Sidra Khan, Chhavi Arora Sehgal, Majumi M. Noohu, Sarah Parveen, Muhammad Azharuddin, Khurshida Bano · Physiotherapy Quarterly · 2026

This 8-week randomised trial had 35 obese adults do balance training either as a single task or as a dual task (balance plus a thinking task) with either variable or fixed attention priority, measuring sway, reaction time, and balance tests. All three groups improved on every measure, and while the variable-priority dual-task group beat the fixed-priority group on some sway and dual-task walking measures, dual-task training overall was not better than plain single-task balance training.
Takeaway: Train balance consistently for about 8 weeks — adding a simultaneous mental task is optional, not necessary, for improvement.
Abstract (source)

Introduction: Obesity has been linked to adverse postural stability parameters that can negatively impact balance. While studies have demonstrated the benefits of dual-task (DT) training on postural stability, these benefits have not been observed in obese individuals. Therefore, this study

Aims: to compare the effects of DT training with different prioritisation on postural stability in obese individuals.

Methods: 35 subjects were randomised to one of 3 groups: DT – variable priority (VP), DT – fixed priority (FP), and a single-task training group. Centre of pressure (CoP) sway, CoP range, and reaction time were assessed using a Pedalo®-Sensamove balance device. Balance was determined using the timed up and go (TUG) and TUG-Cog tests, and the Berg balance scale (BBS) before and after 8 weeks of intervention programs.

Results: The

results showed a significant improvement in all outcome variables after eight weeks of intervention (effect of time, p 0.05). When comparing the mean differences in CoP sway, range, and TUG-Cog, statistically significant

results showed a significant improvement in all outcome variables after eight weeks of intervention (effect of time, p 0.05). When comparing the mean differences in CoP sway, range, and TUG-Cog, statistically significant results were obtained in the variable priority group compared to the fixed-priority group.

Conclusions: The

Findings: of this research imply that engaging in DT training can enhance postural stability and balance in obese individuals, regardless of whether the instructional set is of the variable- or fixed-priority variety. Nevertheless, these outcomes were not established to surpass those achieved through conventional single-task training regimens.

Randomized controlled trialOpen accessProgramming & Periodization
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