Healthy Older AdultsNCT07270094
Effect of Dual Task in Aquatic Physical Therapy in Older Adults
A study testing Aquatic Dual-Task Training and Conventional Aquatic Exercise in people with Healthy Older Adults, run by Instituto Politécnico de Leiria at 1 site in Portugal.
Trial summary
Population ageing is associated with declines in motor and cognitive functions, which compromise autonomy and increase the risk of falls and cognitive impairment. Dual-task training programs have demonstrated additional benefits for physical and cognitive health compared with motor exercise alone. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 65 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Older Adults
- What is being tested?
- Aquatic Dual-Task Training and Conventional Aquatic Exercise
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 84 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePortugal
- Study dates
- 21 Apr 2025to 26 Oct 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 65 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 65 years or older.
- Cognitively preserved, defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score equal to or above reference values adjusted for education: illiterate ≥16; 1-11 years of schooling ≥23; more than 11 years ≥28.
- Prior experience of 3-6 months with regular aquatic physical therapy (2 sessions per week) to ensure familiarity and adaptation to the aquatic environment.
- Medically cleared to perform moderate-intensity aquatic exercise, confirmed by:
- Orthopedic Assessment: No severe musculoskeletal conditions preventing safe participation.
- Clinical Risk Classification: Low to moderate risk according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Risk Stratification.
- Functional Capacity: Duke Activity Status Index score ≥7.
Who cannot join
- Requirement for walking aids, as this interferes with safety and exercise execution.
- Previous diagnosis of progressive and severe neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or dementias, that could compromise response to intervention.
- Clinical conditions preventing safe aquatic exercise, including unstable cardiovascular disease, urinary or fecal incontinence, transmissible infectious or dermatological diseases, severe psychiatric disorders, severe respiratory conditions, or acute musculoskeletal limitations.
- Participation in other physical or cognitive training programs during the intervention period.
- Inability to understand or sign the informed consent form.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effect of Dual Task in Aquatic Physical Therapy in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Population ageing is associated with declines in motor and cognitive functions, which compromise autonomy and increase the risk of falls and cognitive impairment. Dual-task training programs have demonstrated additional benefits for physical and cognitive health compared with motor exercise alone. Aquatic environments provide unique advantages for older adults, facilitating movement execution and increasing adherence. However, evidence comparing aquatic dual-task training with conventional aquatic exercise remains scarce.
This randomized, controlled, double-blind trial aims to compare the effects of an aquatic dual-task training program with those of a conventional aquatic exercise program on cognitive and motor functions in cognitively preserved older adults. Eighty-four participants aged 65 years or older were recruited, screened for eligibility, and randomly assigned to one of two groups: the Dual-Task Aquatic Group (n = 42) or the Conventional Aquatic Exercise Group (n = 42). The 12-week intervention consisted of two weekly sessions of 45 minutes. Cognitive (Montreal Cognitive Assessment; Mini-Mental State Examination) and motor outcomes (Timed Up and Go Test; Berg Balance Scale) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Statistical analyses included intra- and inter-group comparisons using non-parametric tests, with a significance level of 5%.
The dual-task group demonstrated significant improvements in balance, functional mobility, and cognitive performance, while the control group showed improvements only in motor outcomes. Between-group comparisons revealed superior cognitive gains in the dual-task group, with no differences in motor outcomes. Adherence exceeded 95% in both groups.
Read the detailed description
Population ageing introduces challenges associated with progressive motor and cognitive decline, increasing dependence, fall risk, and vulnerability to neurocognitive disorders. Dual-task training-combining simultaneous motor and cognitive tasks-has shown promising benefits in older adults, outperforming isolated motor exercise in several domains. The aquatic environment presents additional therapeutic advantages such as reduced joint load, enhanced balance safety, and increased adherence. Despite these strengths, few studies have rigorously compared aquatic dual-task training with conventional aquatic exercise.
This randomized, controlled, double-blind trial investigates the effects of a 12-week aquatic dual-task intervention versus conventional aquatic exercise in cognitively preserved older adults accustomed to aquatic environments. Eighty-four participants aged ≥65 years were recruited from the community and screened based on predefined eligibility criteria.
Dual-Task Aquatic Group (GDTA; n = 42): Participants performed motor exercises combined with progressively complex cognitive tasks (e.g., verbal fluency, attention, memory tasks), structured into three progressive phases across 12 weeks.
Conventional Aquatic Exercise Group (GEAC; n = 42): Participants completed a matched program of aquatic motor exercises without cognitive demands.
Both groups received two supervised 45-minute sessions per week in a therapeutic pool. Cognitive and motor functions were assessed immediately before and after the intervention using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Mini-Mental State Examination, Timed Up and Go Test, and Berg Balance Scale.
Non-parametric statistical analyses (Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests) were conducted with a significance level of 5%. The GDTA demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive performance, balance, and functional mobility. The GEAC showed significant motor improvements but no cognitive gains. Between-group comparisons confirmed superior cognitive improvement in the GDTA, while motor outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. Adherence to both interventions exceeded 95%.
This study supports the integration of cognitive tasks into aquatic physiotherapy programs for older adults as a strategy to enhance cognitive outcomes while maintaining motor benefits.
- Conditions
- Healthy Older Adults
- Being tested
- Aquatic Dual-Task Training, Conventional Aquatic Exercise
- Keywords
- Aquatic physiotherapy, Dual task, Older adults, Cognitive function, Functional mobility, Balance
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Aquatic Dual-Task TrainingBehavioural
Participants perform a structured aquatic exercise program including mobility, balance, and functional strengthening tasks.
In the experimental arm, each motor task is performed simultaneously with a cognitive task (dual-task condition), including attention, memory, and executive-function challenges (e.g., verbal fluency, counting backwards, category switching).
Conventional Aquatic ExerciseBehavioural
Participants perform the same structured aquatic exercise program as the experimental group, including mobility, balance, and functional strengthening tasks, but without the addition of cognitive challenges.
Exercises are performed in a single-task motor condition, representing standard aquatic physiotherapy practice.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Aquatic Dual-Task Training (GDTA) | Experimental | A 12-week aquatic dual-task training program, consisting of two 45-minute sessions per week, combining motor exercises with concurrent cognitive tasks. Receives: Behavioral: Aquatic Dual-Task Training |
| Conventional Aquatic Exercise (GEAC) | Active comparator | A 12-week aquatic exercise program, consisting of two 45-minute sessions per week, including standard therapeutic aquatic exercises without cognitive dual-task components. Receives: Behavioral: Conventional Aquatic Exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Mini-Mental State Examination
The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) assesses global cognitive status, including orientation, attention and calculation, memory, language, and visuospatial abilities. The total score ranges from 0 to 30. Education-adjusted cut-offs commonly used to indicate preserved cognition are:
- Illiterate: ≥16
- 1-11 years of education: ≥23
- More than 11 years of education: ≥28
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 12 weeks (post-intervention).
Timed Up and Go Test
The Timed Up and Go Test evaluates functional mobility, including strength, balance, and gait. The participant stands up from a chair, walks 3 meters, turns, returns to the chair, and sits down. Performance is measured in seconds. Times under 10 seconds generally reflect good mobility, while times above 13.5 seconds indicate increased fall risk.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 12 weeks (post-intervention).
Montreal Cognitive Assessment
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) evaluates executive functions, memory, attention, language, visuospatial abilities, abstraction, and orientation. The total score ranges from 0 to 30, with scores below 26 suggesting possible cognitive impairment. One additional point is added for individuals with fewer than 12 years of education.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 12 weeks (post-intervention).
Berg Balance Scale
The Berg Balance Scale assesses static and dynamic balance through 14 functional tasks such as standing, reaching, turning, and transferring. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, with a maximum total score of 56. Scores of 40 or below indicate an increased risk of falls.
Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 12 weeks (post-intervention).
Secondary outcomes (1)
Adherence to Intervention
Adherence will be calculated based on attendance records of the intervention sessions, expressed as the percentage of completed sessions
Measured: Throughout the 12-week intervention.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Dec 2025
- Study start21 Apr 2025
- Primary completion29 Aug 2025
- Study completion26 Oct 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Healthy Older AdultsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 84 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Instituto Politécnico de Leiria
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Helena S Morgado, BSc, Principal investigator, Instituto Politécnico de Leiria
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07270094
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CE/IPLEIRIA/47/2025
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 18 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 8 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Dual Task in Aquatic Physical Therapy in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07270094
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CE/IPLEIRIA/47/2025
- Conditions
- Healthy Older Adults
- Keywords
- Aquatic physiotherapy, Dual task, Older adults, Cognitive function, Functional mobility, Balance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 84 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Instituto Politécnico de LeiriaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 21 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 29 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 26 Oct 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Population ageing is associated with declines in motor and cognitive functions, which compromise autonomy and increase the risk of falls and cognitive impairment. Dual-task training programs have demonstrated additional benefits for physical and cognitive health compared with motor exercise alone. Aquatic environments provide unique advantages for older adults, facilitating movement execution and increasing adherence. However, evidence comparing aquatic dual-task training with conventional aquatic exercise remains scarce.
This randomized, controlled, double-blind trial aims to compare the effects of an aquatic dual-task training program with those of a conventional aquatic exercise program on cognitive and motor functions in cognitively preserved older adults. Eighty-four participants aged 65 years or older were recruited, screened for eligibility, and randomly assigned to one of two groups: the Dual-Task Aquatic Group (n = 42) or the Conventional Aquatic Exercise Group (n = 42). The 12-week intervention consisted of two weekly sessions of 45 minutes. Cognitive (Montreal Cognitive Assessment; Mini-Mental State Examination) and motor outcomes (Timed Up and Go Test; Berg Balance Scale) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Statistical analyses included intra- and inter-group comparisons using non-parametric tests, with a significance level of 5%.
The dual-task group demonstrated significant improvements in balance, functional mobility, and cognitive performance, while the control group showed improvements only in motor outcomes. Between-group comparisons revealed superior cognitive gains in the dual-task group, with no differences in motor outcomes. Adherence exceeded 95% in both groups.
Detailed description
Population ageing introduces challenges associated with progressive motor and cognitive decline, increasing dependence, fall risk, and vulnerability to neurocognitive disorders. Dual-task training-combining simultaneous motor and cognitive tasks-has shown promising benefits in older adults, outperforming isolated motor exercise in several domains. The aquatic environment presents additional therapeutic advantages such as reduced joint load, enhanced balance safety, and increased adherence. Despite these strengths, few studies have rigorously compared aquatic dual-task training with conventional aquatic exercise.
This randomized, controlled, double-blind trial investigates the effects of a 12-week aquatic dual-task intervention versus conventional aquatic exercise in cognitively preserved older adults accustomed to aquatic environments. Eighty-four participants aged ≥65 years were recruited from the community and screened based on predefined eligibility criteria.
Dual-Task Aquatic Group (GDTA; n = 42): Participants performed motor exercises combined with progressively complex cognitive tasks (e.g., verbal fluency, attention, memory tasks), structured into three progressive phases across 12 weeks.
Conventional Aquatic Exercise Group (GEAC; n = 42): Participants completed a matched program of aquatic motor exercises without cognitive demands.
Both groups received two supervised 45-minute sessions per week in a therapeutic pool. Cognitive and motor functions were assessed immediately before and after the intervention using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Mini-Mental State Examination, Timed Up and Go Test, and Berg Balance Scale.
Non-parametric statistical analyses (Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests) were conducted with a significance level of 5%. The GDTA demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive performance, balance, and functional mobility. The GEAC showed significant motor improvements but no cognitive gains. Between-group comparisons confirmed superior cognitive improvement in the GDTA, while motor outcomes did not differ significantly between groups. Adherence to both interventions exceeded 95%.
This study supports the integration of cognitive tasks into aquatic physiotherapy programs for older adults as a strategy to enhance cognitive outcomes while maintaining motor benefits.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Aquatic Dual-Task Training (GDTA) | Experimental | Behavioral: Aquatic Dual-Task TrainingA 12-week aquatic dual-task training program, consisting of two 45-minute sessions per week, combining motor exercises with concurrent cognitive tasks. |
| Conventional Aquatic Exercise (GEAC) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Conventional Aquatic ExerciseA 12-week aquatic exercise program, consisting of two 45-minute sessions per week, including standard therapeutic aquatic exercises without cognitive dual-task components. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 65 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Adults aged 65 years or older.
- Cognitively preserved, defined as a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score equal to or above reference values adjusted for education: illiterate ≥16; 1-11 years of schooling ≥23; more than 11 years ≥28.
- Prior experience of 3-6 months with regular aquatic physical therapy (2 sessions per week) to ensure familiarity and adaptation to the aquatic environment.
- Medically cleared to perform moderate-intensity aquatic exercise, confirmed by:
- Orthopedic Assessment: No severe musculoskeletal conditions preventing safe participation.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Requirement for walking aids, as this interferes with safety and exercise execution.
- Previous diagnosis of progressive and severe neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or dementias, that could compromise response to intervention.
- Clinical conditions preventing safe aquatic exercise, including unstable cardiovascular disease, urinary or fecal incontinence, transmissible infectious or dermatological diseases, severe psychiatric disorders, severe respiratory conditions, or acute musculoskeletal limitations.
- Participation in other physical or cognitive training programs during the intervention period.
- Inability to understand or sign the informed consent form.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Aquatic Dual-Task TrainingParticipants perform a structured aquatic exercise program including mobility, balance, and functional strengthening tasks. In the experimental arm, each motor task is performed simultaneously with a cognitive task (dual-task condition), including attention, memory, and executive-function challenges (e.g., verbal fluency, counting backwards, category switching). | Behavioural | Aquatic Dual-Task Training (GDTA) |
| Conventional Aquatic ExerciseParticipants perform the same structured aquatic exercise program as the experimental group, including mobility, balance, and functional strengthening tasks, but without the addition of cognitive challenges. Exercises are performed in a single-task motor condition, representing standard aquatic physiotherapy practice. | Behavioural | Conventional Aquatic Exercise (GEAC) |
Primary outcome
Mini-Mental State Examination
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 12 weeks (post-intervention).
The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) assesses global cognitive status, including orientation, attention and calculation, memory, language, and visuospatial abilities. The total score ranges from 0 to 30. Education-adjusted cut-offs commonly used to indicate preserved cognition are: * Illiterate: ≥16 * 1-11 years of education: ≥23 * More than 11 years of education: ≥28
Timed Up and Go Test
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 12 weeks (post-intervention).
The Timed Up and Go Test evaluates functional mobility, including strength, balance, and gait. The participant stands up from a chair, walks 3 meters, turns, returns to the chair, and sits down. Performance is measured in seconds. Times under 10 seconds generally reflect good mobility, while times above 13.5 seconds indicate increased fall risk.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 12 weeks (post-intervention).
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) evaluates executive functions, memory, attention, language, visuospatial abilities, abstraction, and orientation. The total score ranges from 0 to 30, with scores below 26 suggesting possible cognitive impairment. One additional point is added for individuals with fewer than 12 years of education.
Berg Balance Scale
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 12 weeks (post-intervention).
The Berg Balance Scale assesses static and dynamic balance through 14 functional tasks such as standing, reaching, turning, and transferring. Each item is scored from 0 to 4, with a maximum total score of 56. Scores of 40 or below indicate an increased risk of falls.
1 secondary outcome
Adherence to Intervention
Time frame: Throughout the 12-week intervention.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Dec 2025.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Helena S Morgado, BSc principal investigator
Instituto Politécnico de Leiria
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Aquatic Dual-Task Training and Conventional Aquatic Exercise in people with Healthy Older Adults, run by Instituto Politécnico de Leiria at 1 site in Portugal.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Portugal. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Mini-Mental State Examination (time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 12 weeks (post-intervention).). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 8 Dec 2025.