Dual-tasking in older women: physical activity or else?

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomechanics
• Kinesiology

Background:

• Understanding the impact of dual tasking on older adults' mobility is crucial for fall prevention.
• Existing research on gender differences in dual-tasking performance among older adults remains inconclusive.
• The role of physical activity level in moderating gender-specific dual-tasking challenges is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of gender on dual-tasking (DT) gait performance in older adults.
• To examine whether physical activity (PA) levels moderate gender-based differences in DT.
• To identify specific gait parameters affected by DT in relation to gender and PA.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 120 older adults (81 women, 39 men).
• Assessed gait using Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and spatiotemporal measures under single-task and dual-task conditions.
• Categorized participants based on gender and self-reported physical activity levels.

Main Results:

• Women exhibited significantly slower TUG times and shorter stride lengths during DT compared to men, irrespective of PA level.
• Physical activity levels did not attenuate the observed gender differences in DT performance.
• DT specifically impacted women's gait more profoundly, affecting both speed and stride characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Gender, not physical activity, is a significant factor influencing dual-tasking gait impairment in older adults.
• Older women demonstrate a greater susceptibility to gait disruptions under dual-task conditions.
• Interventions should be gender-tailored, focusing on improving women's ability to manage cognitive and motor demands simultaneously for enhanced functional mobility and fall risk reduction.