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 .
Effect of music-based multitask training on gait, balance, and fall risk in elderly people: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND Falls occur mainly while walking or performing concurrent tasks . We determined whether a music-based multitask exercise program improves gait and balance and reduces fall risk  in elderly individuals . METHODS We conducted a 12-month r and omized controlled trial involving 134 community-dwelling individuals older than 65 years , who are at increased risk of falling . They were r and omly assigned to an intervention group ( n = 66 ) or a delayed intervention control group scheduled to start the program 6 months later ( n = 68 ) . The intervention was a 6-month multitask exercise program performed to the rhythm of piano music .  Change in gait variability under dual-task condition from baseline to 6 months was the primary end point . Secondary outcomes included changes in balance , functional performances , and fall risk . RESULTS At 6 months , there was a reduction in stride length variability ( adjusted mean difference , -1.4 % ; P < .002 ) under dual-task condition in the intervention group , compared with the delayed intervention control group . Balance and functional tests improved compared with the control group . There were fewer falls in the intervention group ( incidence rate ratio , 0.46 ; 95 % confidence interval , 0.27 - 0.79 ) and a lower risk of falling ( relative risk , 0.61 ; 95 % confidence interval , 0.39 - 0.96 ) . Similar changes occurred in the delayed intervention control group during the second 6-month period with intervention . The benefit of the intervention on gait variability persisted 6 months later . CONCLUSION In community-dwelling older people at increased risk of falling , a 6-month music-based multitask exercise program improved gait under dual-task condition , improved balance , and reduced both the rate of falls and the risk of falling . Trial Registration clinical trials.gov Identifier : NCT01107288
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 .