J Korean Phys Ther.  2023 Jun;35(3):64-70. 10.18857/jkpt.2023.35.3.64.

Difference in Gait Characteristics During Attention-Demanding Tasks in Young and Elderly Adults

• Cho IH
• Park SY
• Yeo SS

• KMID: 2552705
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.18857/jkpt.2023.35.3.64

Abstract

Purpose
This study investigated the influence of attention-demanding tasks on gait and measured differences in the temporal, spatial and kinematic characteristics between young healthy adults and elderly healthy adults.
Methods
We recruited 16 healthy young adults and 15 healthy elderly adults in this study. All participants performed two cognitive tasks: a subtraction dual-task (SDT) and working memory dual-task (WMDT) during gait plus one normal gait. Using the LEGSys+ system, knee and hip-joint kinematic data during stance and swing phase and spatiotemporal parameter data were assessed in this study.
Results
In the elderly adult group, attention-demanding tasks with gait showed a significant decrease in hip-joint motion during the stance phase, compared to the normal gait. Step length, stride length and stride velocity of the elderly adult group were significantly decreased in WMDT gait compared to normal gait (p< 0.05). In the young adult group, kinematic data did not show any significant difference. However, stride velocity and cadence during SDT and WMDT gaits were significantly decreased compared to those of normal gait (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
We determined that attention-demanding tasks during gait in elderly adults can induce decreased hip-joint motion during stance phase and decreased gait speed and stride length to maintain balance and prevent risk of falling. We believe that understanding the changes during gait in older ages, particularly during attention-demanding tasks, would be helpful for intervention strategies and improved risk assessment.

Keyword

Dual task; Attention demanding task; Working memory; Gait analysis; Aging