| Sumario: | Background & aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of single-task and dual-task balance training on balance, cognitive performance, and fear of falling in COVID 19-recovered older adults retired from the armed forces. The study population included men aged 60 to 80 years residing in Kerman province during 2023-2024, of whom 45 were consecutively selected and randomly assigned to three groups: singletask training, dual-task training, and control. The training program was conducted over 4 weeks, with three 45-minute sessions per week. Outcome measures comprised the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Serial Reaction Time Test (SRTT), and the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) followed by Scheffé post-hoc tests. Results: Results indicated that both training programs significantly improved balance and cognitive performance, and reduced fear of falling compared to the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the dual-task training group showed greater improvements than the single-task group in walking speed under dual-task conditions, serial reaction time, and reduction of fear of falling (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the two training groups in BBS scores (P>0.05). Balance training-particularly with the dual-task approach-can serve as an effective strategy to enhance motor and cognitive performance and reduce fear of falling in COVID 19-recovered older adults.
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