Presentation
Gait Adaptations Under Cognitive and Motor Dual-Task Conditions
SessionPoster Session 1
DescriptionModern walking is often accompanied by secondary tasks that may increase fall risk, particularly in older adults. Studies indicate that approximately one-third of adults aged 65 and older experience at least one fall annually, with dual-task activities further elevating this risk. This study investigates the effects of cognitive and motor dual-tasking on gait variability.
Ten healthy young adults (5 males, 5 females) completed baseline walking trials followed by three experimental conditions: (1) walking while performing a cognitive Stroop test, (2) walking while carrying a tray with a full cup of water, and (3) walking while performing both tasks simultaneously. Gait parameters—including step length, step width, stride length, and double support time—were analyzed. Results showed significant gait alterations under dual-task conditions, with P-values of 0.0019 for right step length, 0.004 for step width, 0.0007 for stride length, and 0.0477 for double support time (all <0.05), indicating increased gait variability.
These findings have clinical implications for fall prevention and rehabilitation, suggesting that dual-task training may improve gait stability in at-risk populations. Identifying gait deviations under real-world distractions could inform targeted interventions to strengthen motor-cognitive integration and enhance mobility. Overall, dual-tasking significantly disrupted gait stability, emphasizing the need for task-specific gait trainings.
Ten healthy young adults (5 males, 5 females) completed baseline walking trials followed by three experimental conditions: (1) walking while performing a cognitive Stroop test, (2) walking while carrying a tray with a full cup of water, and (3) walking while performing both tasks simultaneously. Gait parameters—including step length, step width, stride length, and double support time—were analyzed. Results showed significant gait alterations under dual-task conditions, with P-values of 0.0019 for right step length, 0.004 for step width, 0.0007 for stride length, and 0.0477 for double support time (all <0.05), indicating increased gait variability.
These findings have clinical implications for fall prevention and rehabilitation, suggesting that dual-task training may improve gait stability in at-risk populations. Identifying gait deviations under real-world distractions could inform targeted interventions to strengthen motor-cognitive integration and enhance mobility. Overall, dual-tasking significantly disrupted gait stability, emphasizing the need for task-specific gait trainings.
Contributors
Event Type
Poster
TimeTuesday, October 14th5:30pm - 6:30pm CDT
LocationRiverside East