Quantitative gait analysis under dual-task in older people with mild cognitive impairment: a reliability study Effects of single-task versus dual-task training on balance performance in older adults: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Effects of dual-task cognitive-gait intervention on memory and gait dynamics in older adults with a history of falls: a preliminary investigation. Training-related changes in dual-task walking performance of elderly persons with balance impairment: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Effect of a Dual-Task Net-Step Exercise on Cognitive and Gait Function in Older Adults Dual-task performances can be improved in patients with dementia Effects of dual-task switch exercise on gait and gait initiation performance in older adults: preliminary results of a randomized controlled trial. Training dual-task walking in community-dwelling adults within 1 year of stroke: a protocol for a single-blind randomized controlled trial Group-based exercise combined with dual-task training improves gait but not vascular health in active older adults without dementia. Motor Imagery during Action Observation of Locomotor Tasks Improves Rehabilitation Outcome in Older Adults after Total Hip Arthroplasty Mental Fatigue Increases Gait Variability During Dual-task Walking in Old Adults Effects of Physical-Cognitive Dual Task Training on Executive Function and Gait Performance in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial Executive function, memory, and gait speed decline in well-functioning older adults. Does dual task training improve walking performance of older adults with concern of falling? A cognitive-motor intervention using a dance video game to enhance foot placement accuracy and gait under dual task conditions in older adults: a randomized controlled trial Transfer effects of fall training on balance performance and spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy community-dwelling older adults: a pilot study. The Effects of EnhanceFitness (EF) Training on Dual-Task Walking in Older Adults
Background Reliability of quantitative gait assessment while dual-tasking ( walking while doing a secondary task such as talking ) in people with cognitive impairment is unknown . Dual-tasking gait assessment is becoming highly important for mobility research with older adults since better reflects their performance in the basic activities of daily living . Our purpose was to establish the test-retest reliability of assessing quantitative gait variables using an electronic walkway in older adults with mild cognitive impairment ( MCI ) under single and dual-task conditions . Methods The gait performance of 11 elderly individuals with MCI was evaluated using an  electronic walkway ( GAITRite ® System ) in two sessions , one week apart . Six gait parameters ( gait velocity , step length , stride length , step time , stride time , and double support time ) were assessed under two conditions : single-task ( sG : usual walking ) and dual-task ( dG : counting backwards from 100 while walking ) . Test-retest reliability was determined using intra-class correlation coefficient ( ICC ) . Gait variability was measured using coefficient of variation ( CoV ) . Results Eleven participants ( average age = 76.6 years , SD = 7.3 ) were assessed . They were high functioning ( Clinical Dementia Rating Score = 0.5 ) with a mean Mini-Mental Status Exam ( MMSE ) score of 28 ( SD = 1.56 ) , and a mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment ( MoCA ) score of 22.8 ( SD = 1.23 ) . Under dual-task conditions , mean gait velocity ( GV ) decreased significantly ( sGV = 119.11 ± 20.20 cm/s ; dGV = 110.88 ± 19.76 cm/s ; p = 0.005 ) . Additionally , under dual-task conditions , higher gait variability was found on stride time , step time , and double support time . Test-retest reliability was high ( ICC>0.85 ) for the six parameters evaluated under both conditions . Conclusion In older people with MCI  , variability of time-related gait parameters increased with dual-tasking suggesting cognitive control of gait performance . Assessment of quantitative gait variables using an electronic walkway is highly reliable under single and dual-task conditions . The presence of cognitive impairment did not preclude performance of dual-tasking in our sample supporting that this methodology can be reliably used in cognitive impaired older individuals OBJECTIVE To compare the effect of 3 different approaches to balance training on dual-task balance performance in older adults with balance impairment . DESIGN A double-blind , r and omized controlled trial . SETTING University research laboratory . PARTICIPANTS Older adults ( N=23 ) with balance impairment ( mean age , 74.8y ) . They scored 52 or less on the Berg Balance Scale ( BBS )  and /or walked with a self-selected gait speed of 1.1 m/s or less . INTERVENTIONS Participants were r and omly assigned to 1 of 3 interventions : single-task training , dual-task training with fixed-priority instructions , and dual-task training with variable-priority instructions . Participants received 45-minute individualized training sessions , 3 times a week for 4 weeks . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Gait speed under single-task and dual-task conditions was obtained at baseline , the second week , the end of training , and the twelfth week after the end of training . Other measures , including the BBS and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence ( ABC ) Scale , were collected at baseline and after training . RESULTS Participants in all groups improved on the BBS ( P<.001 ; effect size [ES]=.72 ) , and walked significantly faster after training ( P=.02 ; ES=.27 ) . When a cognitive task was added , however , only participants who received dual-task training with fixed-priority instructions and dual-task training with variable-priority instructions exhibited significant improvements in gait speed ( P<.001 , ES=.57 ; and P<.001 , ES=.46 , respectively ) . In addition , only the dual-task training with variable-priority instructions group demonstrated a dual-task training effect at the second week of training and maintained the training effect at the 12-week follow-up . Only the single-task training group showed a significant increase on the ABC after training ( P<.001 ; ES=.61 ) . CONCLUSIONS Dual-task training is effective in improving gait speed under dual-task conditions in elderly participants with balance impairment . Training balance under single-task conditions may not generalize to balance control during dual-task context s. Explicit instruction regarding attentional focus is an important factor contributing to the rate of learning and the retention of the dual-task training effect The present study highlights the effects of the dual-task cognitive-gait intervention ( CGI ) on working memory and gait functions in older adults with a history of falls . Thirteen older adults with a history of falls were recruited from local community centers and r and omly stratified into either the control ( n = 5 ) or experimental ( n = 8) group . The experimental group received the dual-task cognitive-motor intervention involving simultaneous motor ( walking ) and cognitive ( memory recall ) task whereas the control group received a placebo treatment ( walking with simple music ) . The intervention was provided 30 minutes per session , over a 6-week period . Memory measures included a combination of word recall and arithmetic task . Gait function measures included velocity and center of pressure ( COP ) stability . Non-parametric tests were used at p < 0.05 . The experimental group showed a greater memory performance than the control ( p < 0.05 ) . However , no significant intervention-related changes in gait velocity and stability were observed . Our findings provide the first evidence in literature to demonstrate that the long-term dual-task cognitive-motor intervention improved memory of older adults with a history of falls under the dual cognitive motor task condition The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency of three different balance training strategies in an effort to underst and the mechanisms underlying training-related changes in dual-task balance performance of older adults with balance impairment . Elderly individuals with balance impairment , age 65 and older , were r and omly assigned to one of three individualized training programs : single-task ( ST ) balance training ; dual-task training with fixed-priority ( FP ) instruction ; and dual-task training with variable-priority ( VP ) instruction .  Balance control during gait , under practice d and novel conditions , was assessed by calculating the center of mass and ankle joint center inclination angles in the frontal plane . A smaller angle indicated better balance performance . Other outcomes included gait velocity , stride length , verbal reaction time , and rate of response . All measures were collected at baseline and the end of the 4-week training . Results indicated that all training strategies were equally effective ( P>.05 ) at improving balance performance ( smaller inclination angle ) under single-task context s. However , the VP training strategy was more effective ( P=.04 ) in improving both balance and cognitive performance under dual-task conditions than either the ST or the FP training strategies . Improved dual-task processing skills did not transfer to a novel dual-task condition . Results support Kramer et al. 's proposal that VP training improves both single-task automatization and the development of task-coordination skills Background and Purpose : Participation in generally recommended aerobics or strength exercises may be challenging for older adults . Therefore , it is necessary to consider the types and levels of physical activities suited for them to improve their cognitive and gait function and adherence to exercise programs . This has prompted efforts to identify exercises that require less physical strength and frequency of performance , while still offering cognitive and health benefits . Here , we aim ed to assess the effect of a novel dual-task net-step exercise ( NSE ) performed once a week for 8 consecutive weeks on improvements in cognitive performance and gait function in an older population . Methods : In this pretest/posttest experimental case control study , 60 healthy older adults ( mean age 76.4 years ) were recruited from community-dwelling people and separated r and omly into 2 groups : a dual-task NSE group and a control group . The NSE group was asked to walk across a net without stepping on the ropes or being caught in the net . Two computer panel-type cognitive functional assessment s , the Touch-M and Touch Panel-Type Dementia Assessment Scale , were administered at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention to determine the effects of NSE . Improvements in gait function were also evaluated using Timed Up and Go test scores . Mixed-effect models with repeated measures ( group × time ) ( analysis of variance , F test ) were used to test the effects of NSE . Adjustments were made for covariates including age and sex ( analysis of covariance ) . Results : The NSE group showed significant improvement in cognitive performance ( 6.8 % change ; total Touch-M score 5.4 points ; P = .04 ) and gait performance ( 11.5 % change ; Timed Up and Go time −0.98 second ; P < .001 ) over the 8-week period . In the control group , there was no significant improvement . Conclusions : This study shows that dual-task NSE is capable of improving cognitive and gait performance in healthy older adults . Our results indicate that NSE offers an option for a large segment of the older population who need an easier way to maintain their cognitive health and gait function Background : Deficits in attention-related cognitive performance measured as dual-task performance represent early markers of dementia and are associated with motor deficits and increased risk of falling . The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a specific dual-task training in patients with mild to moderate dementia . Methods : Sixty-one geriatric patients with confirmed dementia took part in a 12-week r and omized , controlled trial . Subjects in the intervention group ( IG ) underwent dual-task – based exercise training . The control group ( CG ) performed unspecific low-intensity exercise .  Motor performance ( gait speed , cadence , stride length , stride time , single support ) and cognitive performance ( serial 2 forward calculation [ S2 ] , serial 3 backward calculation [ S3 ] ) were examined as single and dual tasks . Decrease in performance during dual tasks compared to single task expressed as motor , cognitive , and combined motor/cognitive dual-task cost ( DTC ) was calculated before and after intervention . Primary outcome was defined as DTC for gait speed under complex S3 conditions . Results : Specific training significantly improved dual-task performance under complex S3 conditions compared to the CG ( reduction of DTC : gait speed 21.7 % IG , 2.6 % CG , p < 0.001 ; other gait variables : 8.7 % to 41.1 % IG , −0.9 % to 8.1 % CG , p ≤ 0.001 to 0.056 ; combined motor/cognitive : 20.6 % IG , 2.2 % CG , p = 0.026 ) . No significant effects were found under less challenging dual-task S2 conditions or for cognitive dual-task S3 performance . Conclusions : The specific exercise program was effective to improve dual-task performance in patients with dementia . Classification of evidence : This study provides Class II evidence that specific dual-task training  improves dual-task performance during walking under complex S3 conditions in geriatric patients with mild to moderate dementia Few studies have reported the effect of exercise intervention for improving postural control deficit in older adults at high risk of falling . We have developed a " Dual-task Switch Exercise ( DSE ) " program that focuses on gait initiation performance under the dual-task condition . The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether gait initiation performance could be improved by a specific exercise intervention .  Eighteen participants were r and omly assigned to either DSE or control groups . The DSE group received focused training to improve the ability to initiate movements quickly under the dual-task condition . The control group received steady-state walking training . After 30-min of seated training sessions , participants received 5-min individualized training sessions once a week for 24 weeks . In the pre- and post-training period , performance of the steady-state gait ( 10-m walking time ) and gait initiation ( reaction time , backward center of pressure ( COP ) displacement ) were measured under the single- and dual-task conditions . The results of a r and omized clinical trial showed that both groups showed improvement of steady-state walking time under the dual-task condition ( main effect of time ; p=0.018 ) . However , DSE was more effective in improving both the reaction time and backward COP displacement during gait initiation under the dual-task condition than control ( interaction effect of time × group ; reaction time , p=0.015 ; COP displacement , p=0.011 ) . There were no significant differences in steady-state gait and gait initiation performance under the single-task condition between pre- and post-training in both groups . Only the specific exercise intervention  improved gait initiation performance under the dual-task condition Background Community ambulation is a highly complex skill requiring the ability to adapt to increased environmental complexity and perform multiple tasks simultaneously . After stroke , individuals demonstrate a diminished ability to perform dual-tasks . Current evidence suggests that conventional rehabilitation does not adequately address gait-related dual-task impairments after stroke , which may be contributing to low levels of participation and physical inactivity in community-dwelling stroke survivors . The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of dual-task gait training in community-dwelling adults within 1 year of stroke . Specifically , we will compare the effects of dual-task gait training and single-task gait training on cognitive-motor interference during walking at preferred speed and at fastest comfortable speed ( Aim 1 ) , locomotor control during obstacle negotiation ( Aim 2 ) , and spontaneous physical activity ( Aim 3 ) . Methods / Design This single-blind r and omized controlled trial will involve 44 individuals within 12 months of stroke . Following baseline evaluation , participants will be r and omly allocated to single- or dual-task gait training . Both groups will receive 12 , 30-minute sessions provided one-on-one over 4–6 weeks in an outpatient therapy setting . Single-task gait training involves practice of gait activities incorporating motor relearning principles . Dual-task gait training involves an identical gait training protocol ; the critical difference being that the dual-task gait training group will practice the gait activities while simultaneously performing a cognitive task for 75 % of the repetitions . Blinded assessors will measure outcomes at baseline , post-intervention , and 6 months after completion of the intervention . The primary outcome measure will be dual-task effects on gait speed and cognition during unobstructed walking . Secondary outcomes include spatiotemporal and kinetic gait parameters during unobstructed single- and dual-task walking at preferred and fastest comfortable walking speeds , gait parameters during high and low obstacle crossing , spontaneous physical activity , executive function , lower extremity motor function , Timed Up and Go , balance self-efficacy , number of falls , and stroke-related disability . Hypotheses for each aim will be tested using an intention-to-treat analysis with repeated measures ANOVA design . Discussion This trial will provide evidence to help clinicians make decisions about the types of activities to include in rehabilitation to improve dual-task walking after stroke . Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov BACKGROUND Gait abnormalities and vascular disease risk factors are associated with cognitive impairment in aging . OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of group-based exercise and dual-task training on gait and vascular health , in active community-dwelling older adults without dementia . METHODS Participants [ n=44 , mean ( SD ) age : 73.5 ( 7.2 ) years , 68 % female ] were r and omized to either  intervention ( exercise+dual-task ; EDT ) or control ( exercise only ; EO ) . Each week , for 26 weeks , both groups accumulated 50 or 75 min of aerobic exercise from group-based classes and 45 min of beginner-level square stepping exercise ( SSE ) . Participants accumulating only 50 min of aerobic exercise were instructed to participate in an additional 25 min each week outside of class . The EDT group also answered cognitively challenging questions  while performing SSE ( i.e. , dual-task training ) . The effect of the interventions on gait and vascular health was compared between groups using linear mixed effects models . RESULTS At 26 weeks , the EDT group demonstrated increased dual-task ( DT ) gait velocity [ difference between groups in mean change from baseline ( 95 % CI ) : 0.29 m/s ( 0.16 - 0.43 ) , p<0.001 ] , DT step length [ 5.72 cm ( 2.19 - 9.24 ) , p = 0.002 ] , and carotid intima-media thickness [ 0.10 mm ( 0.003 - 0.20 ) , p=0.04 ] , as well as reduced DT stride time variability [ 8.31 coefficient of variation percentage points ( -12.92 to -3.70 ) , p<0.001 ] , when compared to the EO group . CONCLUSIONS Group-based exercise combined with dual-task training can improve DT gait characteristics in active older adults without dementia This study aim ed at determining whether the combination of action observation and motor imagery ( AO + MI ) of locomotor tasks could positively affect rehabilitation outcome  after hip replacement surgery . Of initially 405 screened participants , 21 were r and omly split into  intervention group ( N = 10 ; mean age = 64 y ; AO + MI of locomotor tasks : 30 min/day in the hospital , then 3 × /week in their homes for two months ) and  control group ( N = 11 , mean age = 63 y , active controls ) . The functional outcomes ( Timed Up and Go , TUG ; Four Step Square Test , FSST ; and single- and dual-task gait and postural control ) were measured before ( PRE ) and 2 months after surgery ( POST ) . Significant interactions indicated better rehabilitation outcome for the intervention group as compared to the control group : at POST , the intervention group revealed faster TUG ( p = 0.042 ) , FSST ( p = 0.004 ) , and dual-task fast-paced gait speed ( p = 0.022 ) , reduced swing-time variability ( p = 0.005 ) , and enhanced cognitive performance during dual tasks while walking or balancing ( p < 0.05 ) . In contrast , no changes were observed for body sway parameters ( p ≥ 0.229 ) . These results demonstrate that AO + MI is efficient to improve motor-cognitive performance after hip surgery . Moreover , only parameters associated with locomotor activities improved whereas balance skills that were not part of the AO + MI intervention were not affected , demonstrating the specificity of training intervention . Overall , utilizing AO + MI during rehabilitation is advised , especially when physical practice is limited Background Mental fatigue is a psychobiological state induced by sustained periods of dem and ing cognitive activity and is characterized by feelings of tiredness which are common in everyday life . Recently , it has been hypothesized that mental fatigue might have an impact on gait performance in old adults . Therefore , the effect of mental fatigue on gait performance under single- and dual-task conditions was investigated in young and old participants . Methods Spatio-temporal gait parameters of 16 young and 16 old healthy participants were measured using a photoelectric system during single- and dual-task walking before and after a r and omly assigned mental fatigue ( performing a stop-signal task for 90 minutes ) and control intervention ( watching a video for 90 minutes ) , respectively . Changes in subjective fatigue , wakefulness , mood , arousal , and psychophysiological workload ( heart rate variability indices ) were assessed . Results Psychometric measures indicated increased subjective fatigue and arousal as well as decreased mood and wakefulness after the mental fatigue task . Heart rate variability indices revealed a higher psychophysiological workload during the mental fatigue intervention in old compared to young participants . Gait measures ( coefficient of variation of speed , stride length , and stance time ) revealed impaired dual-task walking performance following the mental fatigue intervention only in old participants . Conclusion Data indicate that mental fatigue , induced by sustained cognitive activity , can impair gait performance during dual-task walking in old adults . The susceptibility to mental fatigue could be a new intrinsic risk factor for falls in older people and should be taken into account when dual-task gait analyses are performed Physical and cognitive training seem to counteract age-related decline in physical and mental function . Recently , the possibility of integrating cognitive dem and s into physical training has attracted attention . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of twelve weeks of design ed physical-cognitive training on executive cognitive function and gait performance in older adults . Thirty-six healthy , active individuals aged 72.30 ± 5.84 years were assigned to two types of physical training with major focus on physical single task ( ST ) training ( n = 16 ) and physical-cognitive dual task ( DT ) training ( n = 20 ) , respectively . They were tested before and after the intervention for executive function ( inhibition , working memory ) through R and om Number Generation and for gait ( walking with/without negotiating hurdles ) under both single and dual task ( ST , DT ) conditions . Gait performance improved in both groups , while inhibitory performance decreased after exercise training with ST focus but tended to increase after training with physical-cognitive DT focus . Changes in inhibition performance were correlated with changes in DT walking performance with group differences as a function of motor task complexity ( with/without hurdling ) . The study supports the effectiveness of group exercise classes for older individuals to improve gait performance  , with physical-cognitive DT training selectively counteracting the age-related decline in a core executive function essential for daily living BACKGROUND In community-dwelling older adults , global cognitive function predicts longitudinal gait speed decline . Few prospect i ve studies have evaluated whether specific executive cognitive deficits in aging may account for gait slowing over time . METHODS Multiple cognitive tasks were administered at baseline in 909 participants in the Health , Aging , and Body Composition Study Cognitive Vitality Sub study ( mean age 75.2 ± 2.8 years , 50.6 % women , 48.4 % black ) . Usual gait speed ( m/s ) over 20 minutes was assessed at baseline and over a 5-year follow-up . RESULTS Poorer performance in each cognitive task was cross-sectionally associated with slower gait independent of demographic and health characteristics . In longitudinal analyses , each 1 SD poorer performance in global function , verbal memory , and executive function was associated with 0.003 - 0.004 m/s greater gait speed decline per year ( p = .03-.05 ) after adjustment for baseline gait speed , demographic , and health characteristics . CONCLUSIONS In this well-functioning cohort , several cognitive tasks were associated with gait speed cross-sectionally and predicted longitudinal gait speed decline . These data are consistent with a shared pathology underlying cognitive and motor declines but do not suggest that specific executive cognitive deficits account for slowing of usual gait in aging Background Older adults with concerns of falling show decrements of gait stability under single ( ST ) and dual task ( DT ) conditions . To compare the effects of a DT training integrating task managing strategies for independent living older adults with and without concern about falling ( CoF ) to a non-training control group on walking performance under ST and DT conditions . Methods Single center parallel group single blind r and omized controlled trial with group-based interventions ( DT-managing balance training ) compared to a control group ( Ninety-five independent living older adults ; 71.5 ± 5.2 years).A  progressive DT training ( 12 sessions ; 60 min each ; 12 weeks ) including task-managing strategies was compared to a non-training control group . Setting : group based intervention for independent living elderly in a gym .  ST and DT walking ( visual verbal Stroop task ) were measured on a treadmill . Gait parameters ( step length , step width , and gait line ) and cognitive performance while walking were compared with a 2x2x2 Repeated Measures Analyses of Variance . Results Participants in the intervention group showed an increased step length under ST and DT conditions following the intervention , for both people with and without CoF compared to their respective control groups . Foot rolling movement and cognitive performance while walking however only improved in participants without CoF. Conclusions The results showed that DT managing training can improve walking performance under ST and DT conditions in people with and without CoF. Additional treatment to directly address CoF , such as cognitive behavioural therapy , should be considered to further improve the cautious gait pattern ( as evidence d by reduced foot rolling movements).Trial registration The study was retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register ( DRKS ; Identification number DRKS00012382 , 11.05.2017 ) Background Computer-based interventions have demonstrated consistent positive effects on various physical abilities in older adults . This study aims to compare two training groups that achieve similar amounts of strength and balance exercise where one group receives an intervention that includes additional dance video gaming . The aim is to investigate the different effects of the training programs on physical and psychological parameters in older adults . Methods Thirty-one participants ( mean age ± SD : 86.2 ± 4.6 years ) , residents of two Swiss hostels for the aged , were r and omly assigned to either the dance group ( n = 15 ) or the control group ( n = 16 ) . The dance group absolved a twelve-week cognitive-motor exercise program twice weekly that comprised progressive strength and balance training supplemented with additional dance video gaming . The control group performed only the strength and balance exercises during this period . Outcome measures were foot placement accuracy , gait performance under single and dual task conditions , and falls efficacy . Results After the intervention between-group comparison revealed significant differences for gait velocity ( U = 26 , P = .041 , r = .45 ) and for single support time ( U = 24 , P = .029 , r = .48 ) during the fast walking dual task condition in favor of the dance group . No significant between-group differences were observed either in the foot placement accuracy test or in falls efficacy . Conclusions There was a significant interaction in favor of the dance video game group for improvements in step time . Significant improved fast walking performance under dual task conditions ( velocity , double support time , step length ) was observed for the dance video game group only . These findings suggest that in older adults a cognitive-motor intervention may result in more improved gait under dual task conditions in comparison to a traditional strength and balance exercise program . Trial registration This trial has been registered under IS RCT N05350123 ( http://www.controlled-trials.com This study examined transfer effects of fall training on fear of falling ( Falls Efficacy Scale-International [ FES-I ] ) , balance performance , and spatiotemporal gait characteristics in older adults . Eighteen community-dwelling older adults ( ages 65 - 85 ) were r and omly assigned to an intervention or control group . The intervention group completed 12 training sessions ( 60 min , 6 weeks ) . During pre- and posttesting , we measured FES-I , balance performance ( double limb , closed eyes ; single limb , open eyes ; double limb , open eyes with motor-interfered task ) , and gait parameters ( e.g. , velocity ; cadence ; stride time , stride width , and stride length ; variability of stride time and stride length ) under single- and motor-interfered tasks . Dual tasks were applied to appraise improvements of cognitive processing during balance and gait . FES-I ( p = .33 ) and postural sway did not significantly change ( 0.36 < p < .79 ) . Trends toward significant interaction effects were found for step width during normal walking and stride length variability during the motor dual task ( p = .05 , ηp 2 = .22 ) . Fall training did not sufficiently improve fear of falling , balance , or gait performance under single- or dual-task conditions in healthy 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 .