Uneven terrain versus dual-task walking: differential challenges imposed on walking behavior in older adults are predicted by cognitive and sensorimotor function.

ABSTRACT: Aging is associated with declines in walking function. To understand these mobility declines, many studies have obtained measurements while participants walk on flat surfaces in laboratory settings during concurrent cognitive task performance (dual-tasking). This may not adequately capture the real-world challenges of walking at home and around the community. Here, we hypothesized that uneven terrains in the walking path impose differential changes to walking speed compared to dual-task walking. We also hypothesized that changes in walking speed resulting from uneven terrains will be better predicted by sensorimotor function than cognitive function. Sixty-three community-dwelling older adults (65-93 yrs old) performed overground walking under varying walking conditions. Older adults were c

SUBMITTER: Shah VA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10054936 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature