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Butler, M

Desire, J

Paulson, S

Sanders, J I

Schmuck, H

Shaw, R

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Analysis of how Dual-tasking Effects Selected Gait Variables in Older Adults with a Known Relative Power Mary Butler, Jeremy Desire, Heather Schmuck, Ragan Shaw, Joohee I Sanders, Sally Paulson. Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA  Muscular power is a strong indicator of physical performance within an aging population. In addition, as one ages there is a greater need for attentional demands while walking. Thus, changes in gait patterns have been noted when performing a cognitive task or dual-tasking (DT). PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to kinematically compare differences in power groups on selected gait parameters while DT. METHODS: Twenty-three older adults (M±SD = age: 71.1±4.4 yrs; height 1.71±0.09 m; mass 84.6±17.2 kg) volunteered to complete five sit-to-stand tasks (STST) and four walking trials (20 m). Subjects were placed into a low (LPG) or high power (HPG) group based on their relative power (PR). The walking trials were randomized and counter-balanced: habitual (HAB) and habitual with a cognitive task (DT). PR was calculated from peak power as measured by a Tendo weight lifting analyzer during the STST. Selected gait variables were measured using a gait mat placed in the middle of the walkway. Data were analyzed using a 2x2 repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: There was significant difference for gait speed (p = .02). The HPG walked faster than LPG during the HAB trial. There was not a difference between the groups during the DT. There were statistically significant differences across the gait variables measured between HAB and DT regardless of grouping (p < .05). There was no difference in double support time (DST); however, there was a trend for the LPG to increase DST during the DT (p = .078) and decrease step length more than the HPG (p = .08). Power and Gait Variables (M±SD)  High Power (n = 11) Low Power (n = 12) Relative Power (W/kg) 9.75±1.68 6.53±1.28 Variables HAB DT HAB DT Gait Speed (m/s) 1.35±0.18*^ 1.00±0.23 1.17±0.19* 0.99±0.26 Step Frequency (steps/min) 111.83±10.08^ 102.82±15.44^ 109.00±5.92^ 96.92±19.58^ Double Support Time (s) 0.29±0.09^ 0.34±0.09^ 0.29±0.10^ 0.42±0.13^ Step Length (m) 0.72±0.11^ 0.68±0.10^ 0.65±0.08^ 0.6±0.12^ Note: * Significant Difference between Groups ^ Significant Difference between Conditions (p < .05) CONCLUSION: This study showed DT does influence selected gait parameters in older adults. In addition, power did not have a profound effect on the gait variables even though there was a significant difference in PR between the groups. 

Analysis of how Dual-tasking Effects Selected Gait Variables in Older Adults with a Known Relative Power

http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2330&context=ijesab

Analysis of how Dual-tasking Effects Selected Gait Variables in Older Adults with a Known Relative Power

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