How to do it
You need: A sturdy chair or worktop for balance, A helper to set tasks and watch your balance.
Start seated if your balance is unsteady, or stand next to a worktop with a helper alongside. Choose one movement task and one thinking task.
- Begin the movement task on its own, such as marching on the spot or passing a ball from hand to hand.
- Once it is steady, add a thinking task - name animals, count back from 100 in threes, or list foods beginning with a letter.
- Keep both going together at a comfortable pace.
- If your movement stops or your balance wobbles, pause the thinking task and rebuild the movement.
- Swap in a new thinking task or a harder movement task as it gets easier.
Form cues
- The movement keeps going smoothly while you talk, rather than freezing each time you think.
- Your balance stays steady, with a helper watching for this.
- Both tasks feel challenging together but not overwhelming.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a thinking task so hard that you stop moving completely.
- Practising near hazards, or without a helper when you are standing.
- Pushing on when you are tired, as dual-tasking is one of the first things to slip.
Safety: Stop and message your physio if you have a fall, sudden new weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or a severe headache.