Influence of Different Dual-Task Conditions During Straight or Curved Walking on Gait Performance of Physically Active Older Women With Cognitive Decline

Real-world walking requires shifting attention from different cognitive demands to adapt gait. This study aims to evaluate the effect of dual tasking on spatiotemporal gait parameters of older adults. Participants were asked to perform a primary complex single-walking task, consisting of a fast-paced linear and a curved gait. Primary task was performed separately and simultaneously with different motor and cognitive secondary tasks. Spatiotemporal gait parameters, walk ratio, and walk stability ratio were measured. Apart from stride length, which stood relatively unchanged, gait speed and cadence were strongly affected by cognitive dual tasking. Cadence seems to be the most impacted by dual tasking during curved gait as it combines challenges of both primary and secondary tasks. Also, during curved phase, walking ratio was significantly lower and stability ratio was greater demonstrating that participants adopted a cautious gait where maintenance of stability took preference over efficiency.

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EXAMINING THE RELATIVE EFFECTS OF TASK COMPLEXITY AND COGNITIVE DEMANDS ON STUDENTS’ WRITING IN A SECOND LANGUAGE

Studies in Second Language Acquisition ◽

10.1017/s0272263121000310 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-24

Author(s):

Ting Sophia Xu ◽

Lawrence Jun Zhang ◽

Janet S. Gaffney

Keyword(s):

Second Language ◽

Dual Task ◽

Task Complexity ◽

L2 Writing ◽

Task Group ◽

Cognitive Demands ◽

Secondary Tasks ◽

Single Task ◽

Task Conditions ◽

Writing Task

Abstract While many studies have investigated the effect of task complexity on L2 writing, little has been reported on the effects of intended task complexity manipulations on task-generated cognitive demands in L2 writing. This study, therefore, was designed to examine the relative effects of task complexity and cognitive demands on students’ L2 writing. Two argumentative writing tasks were manipulated with varying numbers of elements and reasoning demands to be distinguished either as a simple or complex writing task. Self-ratings and dual-task methodology were adopted to validate the manipulations of task complexity. Thirty-one L2 learners, in the single-task group, were asked to complete two writing tasks and a post-task questionnaire. Participants in the dual-task conditions (30 in Experimental 1 and 31 in Experimental 2) were required to simultaneously complete the primary writing tasks and the secondary tasks. Results from self-ratings and dual-task experiments supported the efficacy of the task complexity manipulations.

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The effects of a secondary task on gait in axial spondyloarthritis

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-98732-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Julie Soulard ◽

Jacques Vaillant ◽

Athan Baillet ◽

Philippe Gaudin ◽

Nicolas Vuillerme

Keyword(s):

Dual Task ◽

Secondary Task ◽

Stride Length ◽

Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Dual Tasking ◽

Double Support ◽

Manual Task ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Stance Time

AbstractStudies on the effects of dual tasking in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases are limited. The aim of this study was to assess dual tasking while walking in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in comparison to healthy controls. Thirty patients with axSpA and thirty healthy controls underwent a 10-m walk test at a self-selected comfortable walking speed in single- and dual-task conditions. Foot-worn inertial sensors were used to compute spatiotemporal gait parameters. Analysis of spatiotemporal gait parameters showed that the secondary manual task negatively affected walking performance in terms of significantly decreased mean speed (p < 0.001), stride length (p < 0.001) and swing time (p = 0.008) and increased double support (p = 0.002) and stance time (p = 0.008). No significant interaction of group and condition was observed. Both groups showed lower gait performance in dual task condition by reducing speed, swing time and stride length, and increasing double support and stance time. Patients with axSpA were not more affected by the dual task than matched healthy controls, suggesting that the secondary manual task did not require greater attention in patients with axSpA. Increasing the complexity of the walking and/or secondary task may increase the sensitivity of the dual-task design to axial spondyloarthritis.

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Deficits in Selective Attention Alter Gait in Frail Older Adults

GeroPsych ◽

10.1024/1662-9647/a000137 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

pp. 29-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Véronique Cornu ◽

Jean-Paul Steinmetz ◽

Carine Federspiel

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Nursing Home ◽

Selective Attention ◽

Dual Task ◽

Nursing Home Residents ◽

Gait Rehabilitation ◽

Rehabilitation Programs ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Growing Body ◽

Task Conditions

Abstract. A growing body of research demonstrates an association between gait disorders, falls, and attentional capacities in older adults. The present work empirically analyzes differences in gait parameters in frail institutionalized older adults as a function of selective attention. Gait analysis under single- and dual-task conditions as well as selective attention measures were collected from a total of 33 nursing-home residents. We found that differences in selective attention performances were related to the investigated gait parameters. Poorer selective attention performances were associated with higher stride-to-stride variabilities and a slowing of gait speed under dual-task conditions. The present findings suggest a contribution of selective attention to a safe gait. Implications for gait rehabilitation programs are discussed.

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Effects of different multicomponent training methods on functional parameters in physically-active older women

The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness ◽

10.23736/s0022-4707.20.10327-x ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 60 (6) ◽

Author(s):

Leandro H. Brandão ◽

Antônio G. Resende-Neto ◽

Iohanna G. Fernandes ◽

Alan B. Vasconcelos ◽

Albernon C. Nogueira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Women ◽

Training Methods ◽

Physically Active ◽

Functional Parameters

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Digital Biomarkers of Cognitive Frailty: The Value of Detailed Gait Assessment Beyond Gait Speed

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000515939 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

He Zhou ◽

Catherine Park ◽

Mohammad Shahbazi ◽

Michele K. York ◽

Mark E. Kunik ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Steady State ◽

Dual Task ◽

Gait Speed ◽

Stride Length ◽

Cognitive Frailty ◽

Single Task ◽

Double Support ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Digital Biomarkers

Background: Cognitive frailty (CF), defined as the simultaneous presence of cognitive impairment and physical frailty, is a clinical symptom in early-stage dementia with promise in assessing the risk of dementia. The purpose of this study was to use wearables to determine the most sensitive digital gait biomarkers to identify CF. Methods: Of 121 older adults (age = 78.9 ± 8.2 years, body mass index = 26.6 ± 5.5 kg/m2) who were evaluated with a comprehensive neurological exam and the Fried frailty criteria, 41 participants (34%) were identified with CF and 80 participants (66%) were identified without CF. Gait performance of participants was assessed under single task (walking without cognitive distraction) and dual task (walking while counting backward from a random number) using a validated wearable platform. Participants walked at habitual speed over a distance of 10 m. A validated algorithm was used to determine steady-state walking. Gait parameters of interest include steady-state gait speed, stride length, gait cycle time, double support, and gait unsteadiness. In addition, speed and stride length were normalized by height. Results: Our results suggest that compared to the group without CF, the CF group had deteriorated gait performances in both single-task and dual-task walking (Cohen’s effect size d = 0.42–0.97, p < 0.050). The largest effect size was observed in normalized dual-task gait speed (d = 0.97, p < 0.001). The use of dual-task gait speed improved the area under the curve (AUC) to distinguish CF cases to 0.76 from 0.73 observed for the single-task gait speed. Adding both single-task and dual-task gait speeds did not noticeably change AUC. However, when additional gait parameters such as gait unsteadiness, stride length, and double support were included in the model, AUC was improved to 0.87. Conclusions: This study suggests that gait performances measured by wearable sensors are potential digital biomarkers of CF among older adults. Dual-task gait and other detailed gait metrics provide value for identifying CF above gait speed alone. Future studies need to examine the potential benefits of gait performances for early diagnosis of CF and/or tracking its severity over time.

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The Feasibility and Effectiveness of Wearable Sensor Technology in the Management of Elderly Diabetics with Foot Ulcer Remission: A Proof-Of-Concept Pilot Study with Six Cases

Gerontology ◽

10.1159/000513729 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Chenzhen Du ◽

Hongyan Wang ◽

Heming Chen ◽

Xiaoyun Fan ◽

Dongliang Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Odds Ratio ◽

Stride Length ◽

Wearable Sensors ◽

Foot Ulcer ◽

Wearable Devices ◽

Foot Ulcers ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Wearable Sensor ◽

Double Support ◽

Gait Parameters

Aims: Using specials wearable sensors, we explored changes in gait and balance parameters, over time, in elderly patients at high risk of diabetic foot, wearing different types of footwear. This assessed the relationship between gait and balance changes in elderly diabetic patients and the development of foot ulcers, in a bid to uncover potential benefits of wearable devices in the prognosis and management of the aforementioned complication. Methods: A wearable sensor-based monitoring system was used in middle-elderly patients with diabetes who recently recovered from neuropathic plantar foot ulcers. A total of 6 patients (age range: 55–80 years) were divided into 2 groups: the therapeutic footwear group (n = 3) and the regular footwear (n = 3) group. All subjects were assessed for gait and balance throughout the study period. Walking ability and gait pattern were assessed by allowing participants to walk normally for 1 min at habitual speed. The balance assessment program incorporated the “feet together” standing test and the instrumented modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance. Biomechanical information was monitored at least 3 times. Results: We found significant differences in stride length (p < 0.0001), stride velocity (p < 0.0001), and double support (p < 0.0001) between the offloading footwear group (OG) and the regular footwear group on a group × time interaction. The balance test embracing eyes-open condition revealed a significant difference in Hip Sway (p = 0.004), COM Range ML (p = 0.008), and COM Position (p = 0.004) between the 2 groups. Longitudinally, the offloading group exhibited slight improvement in the performance of gait parameters over time. The stride length (odds ratio 3.54, 95% CI 1.34–9.34, p = 0.018) and velocity (odds ratio 3.13, 95% CI 1.19–8.19, p = 0.033) of OG patients increased, converse to the double-support period (odds ratio 6.20, 95% CI 1.97–19.55, p = 0.002), which decreased. Conclusions: Special wearable devices can accurately monitor gait and balance parameters in patients in real time. The finding reveals the feasibility and effectiveness of advanced wearable sensors in the prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcer and provides a solid background for future research. In addition, the development of foot ulcers in elderly diabetic patients may be associated with changes in gait parameters and the nature of footwear. Even so, larger follow-up studies are needed to validate our findings.

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Urinary Incontinence in Physically Active Older Women of Northeast Brazil

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18115878 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (11) ◽

pp. 5878

Author(s):

Thais Sousa Rodrigues Guedes ◽

Marcello Barbosa Otoni Gonçalves Guedes ◽

Hévila Kilvia Miguel de Oliveira ◽

Rodrigo Lopes Soares ◽

Vitor Leandro da Cunha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Urinary Incontinence ◽

Older Women ◽

Short Form ◽

Prevalence Ratio ◽

Protection Factor ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Physically Active ◽

Factors Associated ◽

International Consultation ◽

Loss Of Balance

Low- and moderate-impact physical activity (PA) is associated with the prevention of urinary incontinence (UI). The objective of the cross-sectional study presented herein is to analyze the factors associated with UI in physically older active women who participate in senior community groups. The variable UI was measured by the International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF). Socioeconomic variables were also collected, along with data on life habits and clinical history. The multivariate analysis employed Poisson’s Regression with robust variance for factors associated with UI. Of the 106 participants evaluated, 54.7% presented UI, of which stress incontinence was more frequent, with 40.6%. UI presented a statistically significant association with dizziness/loss of balance during Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (prevalence ratio-PR 1.48; 95% CI 1.06–2.07) and nocturia (PR 1.63; 95% CI 1.05–2.55). Despite PA being a protection factor, UI presented an elevated prevalence in the older population, and therefore, other biological, social, and cultural aspects could also contribute to the occurrence of UI in this age group. Moreover, physically active older women with UI presented nocturia and dizziness/loss of balance during ADL, regardless of education levels and the number of births. These findings can help improve multi-professional programs aimed at promoting, preventing, and managing UI in the public.

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Spatio-temporal gait parameters obtained from foot-worn inertial sensors are reliable in healthy adults in single- and dual-task conditions

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-88794-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

J. Soulard ◽

J. Vaillant ◽

R. Balaguier ◽

N. Vuillerme

Keyword(s):

Dual Task ◽

Inertial Sensors ◽

Healthy Adults ◽

Gait Symmetry ◽

Symmetry Index ◽

Task Effects ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Task Conditions ◽

Healthy Participants ◽

Absolute Reliability

AbstractInertial measurement units (IMUs) are increasingly popular and may be usable in clinical routine to assess gait. However, assessing their intra-session reliability is crucial and has not been tested with foot-worn sensors in healthy participants. The aim of this study was to assess the intra-session reliability of foot-worn IMUs for measuring gait parameters in healthy adults. Twenty healthy participants were enrolled in the study and performed the 10-m walk test in single- and dual-task ('carrying a full cup of water') conditions, three trials per condition. IMUs were used to assess spatiotemporal gait parameters, gait symmetry parameters (symmetry index (SI) and symmetry ratio (SR)), and dual task effects parameters. The relative and the absolute reliability were calculated for each gait parameter. Results showed that spatiotemporal gait parameters measured with foot-worn inertial sensors were reliable; symmetry gait parameters relative reliability was low, and SR showed better absolute reliability than SI; dual task effects were poorly reliable, and taking the mean of the second and the third trials was the most reliable. Foot-worn IMUs are reliable to assess spatiotemporal and symmetry ratio gait parameters but symmetry index and DTE gait parameters reliabilities were low and need to be interpreted with cautious by clinicians and researchers.

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Variability of gait spatio-temporal parameters during treadmill walking

10.21203/rs.3.rs-306804/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Miroslaw Latka ◽

Klaudia Kozlowska ◽

Bruce J. West

Keyword(s):

Stride Length ◽

Fundamental Problem ◽

Treadmill Walking ◽

Frequency Noise ◽

Strongly Correlated ◽

Nonlinear Functions ◽

Mean Values ◽

First Case ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Spatio Temporal

Abstract During treadmill walking, the subject’s stride length (SL) and duration (ST) yield a stride speed (SS) which fluctuates over a narrow range centered on the treadmill belt’s speed. We recently demonstrated that ST and SL trends are strongly correlated and serve as control manifolds about which the corresponding gait parameters fluctuate. The fundamental problem, which has not yet been investigated, concerns the contribution of SL and ST fluctuations to SS variability. To investigate this relation, we approximate SS variance by the linear combination of SL variance and ST variance, as well as their covariance. The combination coefficients are nonlinear functions of ST and SL mean values and, consequently, depend on treadmill speed. The approximation applies to constant speed treadmill walking and walking on a treadmill whose belt speed is perturbed by strong, high-frequency noise. In the first case, up to 80% of stride speed variance comes from SL fluctuations. In the presence of perturbations, the SL contribution decreases with increasing speed, but its lowest value is still twice as large as that of either ST variance or SL-ST covariance. The presented evidence supports the hypothesis that stride length adjustments are primarily responsible for speed maintenance during walking. Such a control strategy is evolutionarily advantageous due to the weak speed dependence of the SL contribution to SS variance. The ability to maintain speed close to that of a moving cohort did increase the chance of an individual’s survival throughout most of human evolution.

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Quantitative assessment of gait parameters in people with Parkinson's disease in laboratory and clinical setting: Are the measures interchangeable?

Neurology International ◽

10.4081/ni.2018.7729 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Massimiliano Pau ◽

Federica Corona ◽

Roberta Pili ◽

Carlo Casula ◽

Marco Guicciardi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Clinical Setting ◽

Stride Length ◽

Experimental Setting ◽

Optoelectronic System ◽

Double Support ◽

Gait Parameters ◽

Spatio Temporal ◽

Wearable Accelerometers

This study aimed to investigate possible differences in spatio-temporal gait parameters of people with Parkinson’s Disease (pwPD) when they are tested either in laboratory using 3D Gait Analysis or in a clinical setting using wearable accelerometers. The main spatio-temporal gait parameters (speed, cadence, stride length, stance, swing and double support duration) of 31 pwPD were acquired: i) using a wearable accelerometer in a clinical setting while wearing shoes (ISS); ii) same as condition 1, but barefoot (ISB); iii) using an optoelectronic system (OES) undressed and barefoot. While no significant differences were found for cadence, stance, swing and double support duration, the experimental setting affected speed and stride length that decreased (by 17% and 12% respectively, P<0.005) when passing from the clinical (ISS) to the laboratory (OES) setting. These results suggest that gait assessment should be always performed in the same conditions to avoid errors, which may lead to inaccurate patient’s evaluations.

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