Gait speed significantly reduced with the addition of a dual task , with increasing complexity showing greater decrements .
Cadence , stride time , and measures of gait variability were all negatively affected under the dual-task condition .
In older adults , the addition of a dual task significantly reduces gait speed and cadence , with possible implication s for the assessment of older people , as the addition of a dual task may expose deficits not observed under single-task assessment
This review examines the effect of a dual task on the gait parameters of older adults with a mean gait speed of 1.0 m/s or greater , and the effect of type and complexity of task .
Age-associated gait changes in the elderly: pathological or physiological?
AIM To examine the role of disease-related factors and age-related physiological changes in affecting gait speed and stride length in the elderly . SUBJECTS 925 men and 890 women aged 70 years and above who were ambulant , recruited by r and om sampling stratified according to age and sex , from all recipients of Old Age and Disability Allowance in Hong Kong . DESIGN Gait was assessed by measuring the time taken and the number of steps required to complete a 16-foot walk . Information on health and functional status , cognitive function , and depressive symptoms was collected , and anthropometric indices obtained . Factors affecting walking speed and stride were examined in the overall population and also after excluding those with physical disability or diseases . RESULTS Results were analyzed separately for men and women since mean walking speed was slower in women , who also took a larger number of steps . Age , coexisting disease , leg or back pain , poor vision , low level of physical activity , functional and cognitive impairment , high depressive symptom score , and anthropometric indices were all negatively associated with walking speed . Fallers also had slower speed . After excluding those with diseases or physical impairment , multivariate analysis showed that the only factors affecting speed were age in men , and age , height , and level of physical activity in women . Age and height were factors associated with stride length in men , and height only for women . CONCLUSION Both disease-related factors as well as age-related physiological changes contribute to the decline in walking speed and stride length
Gait speed significantly reduced with the addition of a dual task , with increasing complexity showing greater decrements .
Cadence , stride time , and measures of gait variability were all negatively affected under the dual-task condition .
In older adults , the addition of a dual task significantly reduces gait speed and cadence , with possible implication s for the assessment of older people , as the addition of a dual task may expose deficits not observed under single-task assessment
This review examines the effect of a dual task on the gait parameters of older adults with a mean gait speed of 1.0 m/s or greater , and the effect of type and complexity of task .