Executive Functions Assessment Based on Wireless EEG and 3D Gait Analysis During Dual-Task: A Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomechanics
• Cognitive Psychology

Background:

• Executive functions (EFs) are crucial for daily activities.
• Cognitive-motor interference during walking increases fall risk, especially in vulnerable populations.
• Limited research exists on the neural correlates of EFs during gait.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neural activation of inhibition and working memory during walking with increasing cognitive task difficulty.
• To analyze the relationship between cognitive load and spatial-temporal gait parameters.
• To explore the potential of EEG and 3D gait analysis for monitoring cognitive processes during gait.

Main Methods:

• Thirteen healthy subjects performed Go-NoGo (inhibition) and N-back (working memory) tasks during spontaneous walking.
• Wireless electroencephalography (EEG) and 3D gait analysis were used to collect data.
• EEG features and kinematic gait parameters were analyzed for correlations with cognitive load.

Main Results:

• Dual-tasking with the Go-NoGo task led to decreased stride length and increased external foot progression.
• A significant correlation was observed between delta band EEG activity and increasing difficulty of the inhibition task.
• Working memory load did not show significant correlations with gait parameters.

Conclusions:

• Inhibition plays a more prominent role than working memory in dual-task walking.
• Specific kinematic adaptations occur during cognitive-motor tasks involving inhibition.
• This research lays groundwork for EEG-based monitoring of cognitive functions influencing gait, aiding rehabilitation strategies.