Abstract / Summary
Abstract Background Frailty, dual-task performance, and independence in activities of daily living (ADL) are closely related to functional health in older adults. Aim of this study examine the relationships among frailty, dual-task performance, and ADL independence in older adults residing in nursing homes. Methods This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 75 older adults aged 65–90 years residing in two nursing homes in Konya, Türkiye. Frailty was assessed using the Edmonton Frail Scale, ADL independence using the Katz Index, and perceived dual-task difficulty using the Dual-Task Questionnaire. Motor-cognitive dual-task performance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test with a serial counting task, while motor-motor performance was assessed using a 10-meter walking test while carrying a tray. Dual-task cost (DTC) was calculated as the percentage change from single- to dual-task performance. Results Dual-task conditions significantly prolonged both TUG and 10-meter walking times compared with single-task conditions (both p < 0.001), with greater cognitive DTC (30.7%) than motor DTC (11.2%). Frailty was moderately and negatively correlated with ADL independence (r = − 0.486, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with perceived dual-task difficulty (r = 0.387, p < 0.001) and TUG dual-task time (r = 0.373, p < 0.01). ADL independence was negatively correlated with TUG and 10-meter dual-task times. DTC was not significantly associated with frailty or ADL independence. Conclusion Greater frailty was associated with reduced ADL independence, slower dual-task performance, and greater perceived dual-task difficulty. Absolute dual-task performance measures may be more informative than percentage-based DTC for identifying functional vulnerability in nursing home residents. Trial registration: A registration was filed with ClinicalTrials.gov prior to the start of the study (NCT07415382).