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 .
Single Stance Stability and Proprioceptive Control in Older Adults Living at Home: Gender and Age Differences
In developed countries ,  falls  in  older people  represent a rising problem . As effective prevention should start before the risk becomes evident , an early predictor is needed . Single stance instability would appear as a major risk factor . Aims of the study were to describe single stance stability , its sensory components , and their correlation with age and gender . A r and om sample of 597 older adults ( 319 men , 278 women ) living at home , aged 65–84 , was studied . Stability tests were performed with an electronic postural station . The single stance test showed the impairment of single stance stability in older individuals ( 75–84 yrs ) . The significant decline of stability in the older subjects may be explained by the impairment of proprioceptive control together with the decrease in compensatory visual stabilization and emergency responses .  Younger subjects ( 65–74 yrs ) exhibited better , but still inadequate , proprioceptive control with compensatory visual stabilization . Gender differences appeared in older subjects : women were significantly less stable than men . The measurement of the sensory components of single stance stability could aid in the early detection of a decay in antigravity movements many years before the risk of falling becomes evident . Adequate proprioceptive control could mitigate the effects of all other risks of falling
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 .