Objective To explore the effects of a dual-task training on gait and balance performance for the elderly in nursing home. Methods A total of 30 older adults in nursing home were divided into an intervention group and a control group using a random number table, with 15 cases in each group. The control group routinely did spring medical and health exercise, while the intervention group additionally received a dual-task training program. The gait and balance performance related indexes were observed before and 6 weeks after the intervention for the two groups. Results After the intervention, the gait speed, step length, dual-task step length, time for timed up and go and dual-task timed up and go test, and the score of balance performance in the intervention group were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There were no significant differences in dual-task gait speed and the score of activities-specific balance confidence scale between the two groups (P>0.05 for both). Conclusion The dual-task training could improve the gait and comprehensive balance performance for the elderly in nursing home, while its role on alleviating older adults′ fear of falling is not significant.