Objectives: Falls are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults, often resulting in severe injuries and a loss of independence. Dual-task training, which integrates cognitive and motor exercises, has emerged as a promising intervention for fall prevention. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured cognitive and motor dual-task training program on fall risk, balance, and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.Methods: Seventy-two participants aged 60 years or older were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (IG, n=36) or a control group (CG, n=36). The IG underwent 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks (totaling 24 sessions) that incorporated simultaneous cognitive and motor exercises, while the CG continued their usual total body stretching exercise. Assessments were conducted at baseline, week 4, and week 8, and included gait speed (10-meter walk test), functional performance (Timed Up and Go test), cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), and quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment).Results: Participants in the IG demonstrated significant improvements in functional performance (p<0.05) and enhanced cognitive function compared to the CG after both 4 weeks and 8 weeks of training. Functional performance and cognitive function significantly improved after 8 weeks of training (p<0.01). However, the intervention did not produce changes in gait speed or quality of life.Conclusions: Integrating cognitive and motor dual-task training into fall prevention programs may enhance functional stability and cognitive resilience in older adults. Future studies should investigate long-term adherence and determine the optimal training intensity.

Raksuda Taniguchi, Sulukkana Noiprasert, Wachiraporn Padungkiettiwong, Phitsanuruk Kanthawee, Kitiyawadee Srisim, Ekalak Sitthipornvorakul. J Pharmacopuncture 2025;28:211-8. https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2025.28.3.211

Inadequate health literacy (HL) is a critical factor contributing to fall risk among older adults. However, evidence on how HL relates to home environment and fall prevention behaviors in Asian community settings remains limited. This study aimed to assess HL levels and examine their associations with sociodemographic characteristics, home environment, and fall prevention behaviors. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 177 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 to 79 years. Data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing sociodemographic characteristics, home environment, fall prevention behaviors, and HL using the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q47), which cover three subdomains: healthcare, disease prevention, and health promotion. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine the associations between sociodemographic factors, home environment, fall prevention behaviors, and HL. The HL score among older adults was 34.50 ± 7.50 (54.2% limited HL). A total HL score was positively associated with regular exercise (β = 2.73, 95% CI: 0.71, 4.74) and a sitting toilet (β = 6.38; 95% CI: 3.83, 8.92) and marginally associated with wearing properly fitting shoes (β = 2.54; 95% CI: 0.22, 4.86). Therefore, the health promotion aimed at improving HL in this population may benefit from concurrently promoting regular exercise, home safety modifications, and safe footwear practices.

Post-COVID-19 has a significant impact on recovered individuals. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a framework for understanding and treatment, but its utility in post-COVID cases remains under investigation. This study aimed to investigate the TCM syndromes in patients experiencing post-COVID with respiratory symptoms and explore alternative clinically practical assessment tools (spirometry and Fatigue Severity Scale [FSS]) for differentiating TCM patterns. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 150 subjects with post-COVID respiratory symptoms in Thailand. TCM differentiation was diagnosed by three certified TCM practitioners, and spirometry was conducted by a physical therapist who holds a spirometry certification. Both spirometry and FSS were used for evaluation. Lung and Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome (FPQX) was the dominant TCM pattern (72%), followed by Deficiency of Both Qi and Yin Syndrome (QYLX) (28%). Spirometry revealed a statistically significant, but small decrease in lung function (FEV1/FVC) within the FPQX group compared to the QYLX group. However, both groups remained within the normal range. FSS scores did not differ significantly between the groups. This study suggests that FPQX is prevalent in post-COVID patients in Thailand. It also indicates that spirometry might not be sensitive enough to capture the full extent of lung dysfunction in post-COVID respiratory symptoms. While the FSS confirmed the presence of fatigue in both groups, it may not be the best tool for differentiating between specific TCM syndromes. Future research should explore more sensitive biomarkers for TCM diagnosis and consider potential neurological contributions to post-COVID respiratory symptoms.