Exergames Training Effects on Gait During Single and Dual Tasks in Sexagenarian Women

This study was designed to analyze the effects of an exergames training program on gait parameters while holding a cellphone conversation at self-selected walking speed (SSWS) and fast walking speed (FWS). Twenty-one older women (66.3 ± 4.0 years) practiced exergames for 12 weeks and were assessed for spatiotemporal gait parameters at SSWS and FWS under single task and dual task. The strength of the lower limbs was measured by an isokinetic dynamometer (Byodex System 3). The cognitive function was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The tests were assessed 4 weeks before the start of the exergames training (baseline, T₀), immediately before (pretraining, T₁), and at the end of 12 weeks of the exergame training (post-training, T₂), except for the MoCA test that was assessed at T₀ and T₂. The spatiotemporal gait parameters at SSWS and FWS showed extensive changes when a cellphone conversation was sustained (e.g., 6.5% and 5.8% reduction in walking speed, respectively). Exergames training was not effective in minimizing these changes or improving muscle strength after 12 weeks (<3.0%). Minor cognitive improvements (0.5 points) were observed in response to training. Holding a cellphone conversation while walking changed several gait parameters, irrespective of the walking speed. The spatiotemporal gait parameters and lower limb muscle strength in sexagenarian women remained unchanged after the exergames training program.