Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairments, including MCI and dementia, significantly heighten fall risk due to motor dysfunction and balance deficits. Although physical activity is essential for dementia prevention, older adults often struggle with balance issues, fear of falling, and reduced mobility. This study investigated the impact of balance training, alone or combined with cognitive exercises, on functional balance and cognitive performance in individuals with cognitive impairments. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across three electronic databases to identify peer-reviewed studies written in English that examined the effects of balance-oriented physical therapy, either alone or in combination with cognitive training, on individuals with cognitive or concurrent cognitive and balance impairments. The outcomes of interest included balance and cognitive function. The risk of bias was evaluated independently by two reviewers using the ROB-1 tool. The effectiveness of the intervention was analyzed using RevMan software. RESULTS: This systematic review found that stand-alone physical exercise significantly improved postural stability in 15 out of 24 studies and enhanced cognitive function in 5 out of 25 studies. Furthermore, the integration of cognitive training alongside physical exercise demonstrated additional benefits in improving balance and cognition in 7 out of 11 studies. These findings suggest that such interventions may be beneficial for older adults with cognitive impairments, warranting further research to establish definitive conclusions. CONCLUSION: This systematic review emphasizes the potential benefits of physical balance exercises, often combined with cognitive training, in improving balance, cognitive function, and certain aspects of quality of life among individuals with cognitive impairment.