Uneven surface and cognitive dual-task independently affect gait quality in older adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Real-world mobility involves walking in challenging conditions. Assessing gait during simultaneous physical and cognitive challenges provides insights on cognitive health.

Research question

How does uneven surface, cognitive task, and their combination affect gait quality and does this gait performance relate to cognitive functioning?

Methods

Community-dwelling older adults (N = 104, age=75 ± 6 years, 60 % females) performed dual-task walking paradigms (even and uneven surface; with and without alphabeting cognitive task (ABC)) to mimic real-world demands. Gait quality measures [speed(m/s), rhythmicity(steps/minute), stride time variability (%), adaptability (m/s²), similarity, smoothness, power (Hz) and regularity] were calculated from an accele

SUBMITTER: Suri A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10591986 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature