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Dual-Task Walking Performance in Older Persons With Hearing Impairment: Implications for Interventions From a
Bettina Wollesen1, Katharine Scrivener1, Kirsty Soles1
1Department of Health Science, Institute of Human Movement Science, Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
Ear and Hearing
|September 1, 2017
Summary
Adults with hearing loss experience increased fall risks. This study found that hearing impairment negatively impacts walking performance, especially under dual-task and triple-task conditions, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Audiology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Hearing loss is a significant risk factor for falls in older adults.
- Dual-task (DT) and triple-task (TT) conditions can exacerbate walking impairments.
- Understanding the impact of hearing loss on walking under various task conditions is crucial for fall prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dual-task (DT) and triple-task (TT) conditions on walking speed, step length, and cadence in adults with hearing impairment.
- To identify associations between hearing loss severity, previous falls, and physical limitations with walking performance.
- To explore the influence of task complexity on walking in individuals with hearing impairment.
Main Methods:
- An observational study involving 73 community-dwelling older adults seeking audiology services.
- Walking performance was assessed under single-task (ST), DT, and TT conditions.
- Statistical analyses, including two-way ANOVA with repeated measures, were used to compare task conditions and hearing groups, and to analyze the influence of fall risks and physical limitations.
Main Results:
- More severe hearing loss was associated with reduced walking speed, decreased step length, and increased cadence.
- Increasing hearing loss led to greater negative effects on DT and TT walking performance.
- Walking-manual dual-task conditions showed the highest costs, with minor influences from older age and comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- This study provides initial data on walking performance in individuals with hearing loss under different task conditions.
- The findings underscore the need for developing and evaluating training interventions to enhance walking abilities and reduce fall risks.
- Dual-task (DT) training may be beneficial for improving motor and cognitive flexibility in this population.
