Walking variability and working-memory load in aging: a dual-process account relating cognitive control to motor
Martin Lövdén1, Sabine Schaefer, Anna E Pohlmeyer
1Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Lentzeallee 94, Berlin, Germany. loevden@mpib-berlin.mpg.de
Summary
Cognitive tasks can affect walking, with easy tasks reducing stride variability. However, older adults did not show the same reduction in variability as younger adults when cognitive load increased.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Understanding how cognitive activities impact gait is crucial for fall prevention in aging populations.
- Previous research suggests cognitive load can influence walking patterns, but the effects on variability are not fully understood.
- The dual-process account provides a framework for examining attention and resource allocation during dual-tasking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of parametrically manipulated working-memory load on gait variability in younger and older adults.
- To examine potential age-related differences in the relationship between cognitive load and walking variability.
- To extend the dual-process account by analyzing how aging affects the interplay of attention and resource competition during walking.
Main Methods:
- Participants (32 younger, 32 older adults) walked on a treadmill at self-selected speed while performing an n-back task with varying cognitive loads.
- Gait parameters, specifically stride time and stride length variability, were measured.
- Cognitive performance was assessed to identify any dual-task costs.
Main Results:
- No significant dual-task costs were observed for cognitive performance across age groups.
- Stride-to-stride variability was lower during an easy working-memory task compared to walking alone.
- Increasing working-memory load decreased stride time and stride length variability in younger adults, but not in older adults.
Conclusions:
- Normal aging appears to alter the balance between attentional focus and resource competition during dual-task walking.
- The findings suggest that older adults may not benefit from increased attentional focus to the same extent as younger adults in reducing gait variability.
- This age-related difference in the dual-process account highlights distinct neural mechanisms underlying gait control in aging.
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