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Dual-Task Gait Analysis: Combined Cognitive-Motor Demands Most Severely Impact Walking Patterns and Joint Kinematics
Nenad Nedović1, Slavica Mutavdžin Krneta2, Stevan Jovanović1
1Academy of Applied Studies Belgrade, College of Health Sciences, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 29, 2025
Summary
Dual-tasking significantly impairs older adults' gait, especially when cognitive and motor demands are combined. This highlights the link between cognitive function and walking, suggesting dual-task gait analysis for detecting deficits.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Cognitive tasks influence automated motor functions like walking.
- Older adults are particularly susceptible to dual-task interference during gait.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the dual-task effects on gait parameters in older adults.
- To compare single-task, cognitive, motor, and combined cognitive-motor conditions.
Main Methods:
- 41 healthy older adults (over 65) performed walking tasks under four conditions.
- An inertial movement analysis system was used to assess spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters.
Main Results:
- Combined cognitive-motor tasks caused significant gait impairments: reduced speed, shorter stride length, and decreased hip flexion.
- Cognitive tasks alone affected gait speed and stride length; motor tasks had minimal impact.
- Increased double-support time and reduced single-support time indicated compensatory strategies.
Conclusions:
- Concurrent cognitive-motor demands disproportionately impair gait in older adults.
- Dual-task gait analysis may be clinically useful for early detection of cognitive-motor deficits.
