Walking Stroop carpet: an innovative dual-task concept for detecting cognitive impairment

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cognitive decline is linked to gait abnormalities, but current dual-task tests lack sensitivity for early detection.
• Existing clinical evaluations of dual-task locomotion may be insufficient for identifying mild cognitive impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Walking Stroop carpet, a novel dual-task locomotion test, for early detection of cognitive impairment.
• To assess the relationship between cognitive function, gait parameters, and dual-task performance.

Main Methods:

• Forty-nine participants (young, elderly, with/without mild cognitive impairment) underwent cognitive assessments and single-task gait analysis.
• Dual-task locomotion was evaluated using the Walking Stroop carpet, an adaptation of the Stroop color-word task.
• Cluster analysis and ANOVA were used to analyze gait parameters and identify group differences.

Main Results:

• The Walking Stroop carpet distinguished dysexecutive cognitive fragility with 89% sensitivity and 94% specificity.
• Gait performance varied significantly between groups and dual-task conditions.
• Dysexecutive individuals showed greater motor impairment under dual-task conditions compared to healthy controls.

Conclusions:

• The Walking Stroop carpet serves as a valuable dual-task test for early identification of cognitive fragility.
• This method surpasses traditional neuropsychological tests and single-task gait analysis in detecting subtle cognitive deficits.