Risk of fall in female Saudi students who engage in cognitive-motor dual tasks- A Cross Sectional Study

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Abstract
Background: Dual tasking (DT) requires individuals to carry out two actions simultaneously, comparable to how the brain can perform a cognitive function while the body is in motion, which eventually enhances human balance. Objective: To examine and compare the impact of DT on the risk of falling (ROF) among Saudi female students enrolled in the literary and scientific faculties. Method: A cross-sectional design was used. 120 female students consented to this study after 150 were invited. Specialization led to the formation of the scientific (SG, 86) and literary (LG, 34) groups. All participants, aged 18 to 25, had a normal BMI and normal cognitive and balance skills. Using the Biodex balancing system, ROF during balance alone (no DT) and with DT (motor and two types of cognitive tasks) were assessed. ROF was compared within and between groups using paired and unpaired T-tests, respectively. Mann-Whitney compared the two groups throughout the DT. The level of significant was considered at P=0.05. Results: There was no significant difference in ROF in SG (P 0.05) between the performance with and without dual tasking, contrary, LG demonstrated a significant difference (P=0.05) for the same tests. In addition, the only time there was a significant difference between the two groups was when they performed DT. Conclusion: SG students are better capable than LG students in maintaining balance and resisting the ROF during DT. This study's findings may pave the way for improved interventions to reduce fall risk and improve balance during neurorehabilitation.

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