Impact of age on gait parameters under motor and cognitive dual-task conditions

Aging in humans is a complex process characterized by functional decline over time, leading to a decrease in quality of life. The physiological effects of aging lead to deviations from normal gait, difficulties in maintaining balance, and ultimately mobility limitations. Walking is a complex task that requires the cooperation of both sensorimotor and cognitive systems. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dual-task exercises involving cognitive and motor tasks on gait parameters with aging. Our study was designed as a cross-sectional study.

METHODS: A total of 75 individuals living in the Northern Cyprus, divided into 3 groups with 25 individuals in each group as young group (25-44 years), middle age (44-64 years), and old age (65 years and above), were included in the study. The 10-m walking test and the footprint method were used to evaluate the walking parameters of the individuals were used in the study. To evaluate the dual task, motor secondary task (carrying a cup on a tray while walking), arithmetic cognitive secondary task (PASAT 3 test) and verbal fluency cognitive secondary task (saying animal names starting with the letter "K") were used.

It was determined that individuals in the older age group had an increase in walking time and cadence, and a decrease in step length and double step length in motor and cognitive dual tasks compared to young and middle-aged individuals (p < 0.05). Although step width increased in the older age group and we could not find a difference between the groups (p > 0.05).

It was concluded that both motor and cognitive dual tasks have an effect on gait quality with advancing age.