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 .
Gait, gait variability and the risk of multiple incident falls in older people: a population-based study.
BACKGROUND it is uncertain as to which measures of gait best predict those who are likely to fall . Our aim was to investigate the associations of gait and gait variability measures with incident falls risk . METHODS individuals aged 60 - 86 years ( n = 412 ) were r and omly selected from the Tasmanian electoral roll .  Average gait and gait variability measures were collected on a computerised walkway . Falls were recorded prospect ively over 12 months . Log multinomial regression was used to estimate the relative risk of single and multiple falls associated with gait measures . Covariates included age , sex , sensorimotor and cognitive measures , mood and medications . RESULTS in this population -based study greater intra-individual variability in step length and double-support phase were linearly associated with increased risk of multiple falls ( P = 0.04 ) . Non-linear associations with multiple falls were found for gait speed P = 0.002 , cadence P = 0.004 and step time variability P = 0.03 . None of the gait measures predicted risk of single falls . CONCLUSION there is an increased risk of multiple falls , but not single falls , in older people with poorer gait . Specific measures of gait and gait variability seem to confer this risk and may be amenable to interventions design ed to reduce the risk of multiple falls in older people
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 .