Gait Speed and Gait Variability Are Associated with Different Functional Brain Networks

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Gait speed and variability are key indicators of locomotor control in older adults.
• Supraspinal control mechanisms are thought to regulate these gait parameters.
• Cognitive dysfunction and slow gait are common in aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between gait parameters and brain network functional connectivity.
• To explore these associations in older adults with mild-to-moderate executive dysfunction.
• To identify potential neural underpinnings of gait impairments in vulnerable older adults.

Main Methods:

• Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess brain network connectivity.
• Gait assessment measured gait speed and gait variability.
• Functional connectivity analysis examined within- and between-network connections.

Main Results:

• Faster gait speed correlated with stronger functional connectivity within the frontoparietal control network.
• Steadier walking (less gait variability) was associated with stronger negative functional connectivity between the dorsal attention and default networks.
• No other significant associations were found between gait metrics and network functional connectivity.

Conclusions:

• Gait speed and variability appear linked to distinct brain networks in functionally limited older adults.
• These findings suggest specific neural mechanisms influencing gait in this population.
• Further research is warranted to confirm and expand upon these pilot study results.