Gait Variability and Complexity during Single and Dual-Task Walking on Different Surfaces in Outdoor Environment

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Human locomotion
• Wearable sensor technology

Background:

• Real-world gait assessment is increasingly important.
• Understanding factors influencing gait, like surfaces and dual-tasking, is crucial for real-life mobility.
• Gait variability and complexity are key metrics for assessing gait patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of different outdoor surfaces and dual-tasking on gait variability and complexity.
• To compare single-task versus dual-task walking effects on gait parameters.
• To analyze gait changes in healthy young adults under varied environmental conditions.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-nine healthy young adults walked on asphalt, cobbles, and grass.
• Participants performed single-task and two dual-task (manual and cognitive) walking conditions.
• Trunk acceleration was recorded using a triaxial inertial sensor, and gait complexity (SampEn) and variability (RMS) were calculated.

Main Results:

• Outdoor surfaces significantly affected gait variability but not gait complexity.
• Dual-task conditions significantly impacted both gait variability and gait complexity.
• Healthy young adults exhibited altered gait patterns under dual-tasking and on varied surfaces.

Conclusions:

• Surface type primarily influences gait variability, not complexity, in outdoor environments.
• Dual-tasking poses a significant challenge, altering both gait variability and complexity.
• These findings highlight the adaptability and challenges of real-world gait in young adults.