Impact of Hypertension on Physical and Cognitive Performance Under Single- and Dual-Task Conditions in Older Adults

Up to 40% of people with hypertension (HTN) develop mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease during their lifetime. This study aimed to compare physical and cognitive performance in older adults, classified as non-HTN or with HTN, under single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) conditions.

In total, 46 individuals (71 ± 5.96 years), divided equally into non-HTN and HTN groups, participated. Normality of the data was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test. In this cross-sectional study, groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test applied to non-parametric variables and the independent samples t-test applied to parametric ones. Physical and cognitive functions were evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), HandGrip Strength (HGS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and the L-Test, both in ST and DT conditions (with arithmetic tasks).

Significant differences were observed between groups in MoCA and the physical performance of SPPB, TUG, and L-Test under ST. In the DT condition, differences were found in the physical performance of TUG, L-test, and SPPB total score as well as in different components such as the 3 m walk and the Sit to Stand (STS). Regarding physical-cognitive interference, there was a statistically significant difference in the SPPB dual task cost between the HTN and non-HTN groups.

Individuals with HTN exhibit impairments compared to non-HTN individuals in physical performance under DT conditions as well as in physical-cognitive interference. Static balance and HGS appear unaffected; however, differences are evident in gait (TUG and L-Test) and lower-limb strength (STS).