Scholarlink

Background <p>Task-oriented training(TOT) is a rehabilitation approach focused on practicing goal-oriented, functional tasks.</p> Aims <p>To investigate the effects of TOT compared with conventional training on improving balance, gait, and fall prevention in older adults(aged ≥ 60 years).</p> Methods <p>The study was registered in PROSPERO(ID: CRD42025635269). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to October 2025 for eligible randomized controlled trials. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 18 and RevMan 5.4. Minimal clinically important difference(MCID) values were determined by reviewing relevant literature.</p> Results <p>Twenty studies were included, fifteen of which with complete data were meta-analyzed. Compared to conventional training, TOT was more effective in improving Berg Balance Scale (BBS)(MD = 2.58, <i>P</i> &lt; 0.001), Timed Up and Go test (TUG test)(MD = -0.55, <i>P</i> &lt; 0.001), gait speed (GS)(MD = 0.14, <i>P</i> &lt; 0.001), and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale(MD = 17.06, <i>P</i> &lt; 0.001). Improvements in BBS, TUG test and GS for individuals aged ≥ 75 reached the MCID. Although a significant main effect was observed for the Falls Efficacy Scale-International(MD = -2.80, <i>P</i> = 0.03), the result was not robust. The evidence regarding the effect of TOT on fall incidence or Functional Gait Assessment scores was inconclusive.</p> Conclusion <p>TOT showed superior effects over conventional training in improving balance, gait, and balance confidence, with clinically meaningful improvements in balance and gait speed. However, its impact on reducing fear of falling and fall incidence requires further validation.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Effects of task-oriented training on balance, gait, and fall in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月21日

查看全文
  • Wenping Zhang,
  • Wenjing Zhang,
  • Guoxiu Zu,
  • Mingyang Yao,
  • Jiawei Li,
  • Yifei Jin,
  • Liduan Wang,
  • Jiqin Tang

摘要

Background

Task-oriented training(TOT) is a rehabilitation approach focused on practicing goal-oriented, functional tasks.

Aims

To investigate the effects of TOT compared with conventional training on improving balance, gait, and fall prevention in older adults(aged ≥ 60 years).

Methods

The study was registered in PROSPERO(ID: CRD42025635269). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to October 2025 for eligible randomized controlled trials. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 18 and RevMan 5.4. Minimal clinically important difference(MCID) values were determined by reviewing relevant literature.

Results

Twenty studies were included, fifteen of which with complete data were meta-analyzed. Compared to conventional training, TOT was more effective in improving Berg Balance Scale (BBS)(MD = 2.58, P < 0.001), Timed Up and Go test (TUG test)(MD = -0.55, P < 0.001), gait speed (GS)(MD = 0.14, P < 0.001), and Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale(MD = 17.06, P < 0.001). Improvements in BBS, TUG test and GS for individuals aged ≥ 75 reached the MCID. Although a significant main effect was observed for the Falls Efficacy Scale-International(MD = -2.80, P = 0.03), the result was not robust. The evidence regarding the effect of TOT on fall incidence or Functional Gait Assessment scores was inconclusive.

Conclusion

TOT showed superior effects over conventional training in improving balance, gait, and balance confidence, with clinically meaningful improvements in balance and gait speed. However, its impact on reducing fear of falling and fall incidence requires further validation.