Dual-task Training to Prevent Cognitive Decline in Community-dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Pragmatic RCT

Objectives: This study aims to explore the feasibility and acceptance of group-based dual-task training for prevention of cognitive decline in a pragmatic setting for community-dwelling older adults. The primary objective is to assess recruitment rate, attendance rate, retention rate and satisfaction rate of participants. Study design and participants: This is a pilot pragmatic RCT with waitlist control. First, a co-design approach will be adopted to develop the intervention with the older adults. Then, about six participating community centres will nominate staff or volunteer to receive the training in order to lead the intervention. Informed consent will be sought from the participants and baseline assessment will be conducted. The participants will be randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups in 1:1 ratio using block randomisation with varying block size. At the end of the study, one representative of each participating centre will be invited to provide qualitative feedback. Measurements: The primary outcomes are the feasibility outcomes, namely the recruitment rate, attendance rate, the retention rate, and satisfaction rate of participants. Secondary outcomes include completion rate of the interventionist, time to recruit target sample size, factors influencing older adults' decision to participate and staff of the community centre to organise the activity, subjective memory complaints, working memory, executive function, and cognitive status of participants. A structured questionnaire will be used to collect quantitative outcomes related to effects and satisfaction. Qualitative feedback from representatives of the elderly community centres will be collected according to a semi-structured interview guide. Expected results: The intervention is feasible and highly accepted by the participants and staff of the community centres. Potential effect-related outcomes are to be demonstrated.