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 .
The Effects of EnhanceFitness (EF) Training on Dual-Task Walking in Older Adults
Decline in dual-task walking performance is associated with increased risk of falls among older adults . The objective of this study is to determine whether 18 hr of participation in EnhanceFitness ( EF ) , an evidence -based group exercise program , improves dual-task walking performance among community-dwelling older adults . Twenty-eight healthy , community-dwelling older adults were evaluated before participating in EF and after 18 hr of participation . Gait speed was evaluated under single task and dual tasks using the TUG ( Timed Up and Go ) and 1-min walk tests . Dual-task costs ( DTC ) , the relative cost of dual-task performance compared to single-task performance , were calculated for both cognitive and motor tasks . Postural control and executive functions were evaluated as well . After 18 hr of EF , dual-task walking performance improved . Single-task performance improved as well as postural control and executive function . There was no significant change in DTC across all measurements , except for the cognitive task of the TUG
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 .