Dual-Task Gait Performance in Moderate-to-Severe Glaucoma

This study found that while overall dual-task gait alterations were similar between glaucoma patients and controls, specific joint flexion differences and sex-specific patterns emerged, with most gait measures showing good reliability in glaucoma participants.

Progressive visual field loss in glaucoma compromises mobility, yet its effects on dual-task performance (eg, obstacle crossing or visual search) remain unclear. This study aimed to compare gait parameters between glaucoma patients and healthy controls under dual-task conditions, investigate sex-specific differences, and evaluate the test-retest reliability of these gait measures in all participants.

Twenty-eight individuals with moderate-to-severe bilateral glaucoma and 25 age-matched controls participated in the study. Gait analysis was conducted using a 10-camera Vicon system on a 7 m walkpath with obstacles of varying heights (0, 5, 15 cm) during visual tasks (fixation, visual search). Group and condition effects were analyzed with Generalized Estimating Equations. Ten glaucoma participants repeated testing after 2 weeks; reliability was quantified using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Gait parameters did not differ significantly between the glaucoma and healthy control groups under dual-task conditions. Sex-specific differences revealed that males with glaucoma showed reduced knee and hip flexion during visual search compared with healthy counterparts (P<0.05). Most gait measures demonstrated moderate-to-excellent test-retest reliability for glaucoma (ICCs: 0.63-0.97).

Glaucoma did not greatly alter dual-task gait alterations, although specific differences in knee and hip flexion were observed, with distinct sex-specific patterns. Most gait measures were reliable. These findings highlight the importance of considering sex-specific strategies when addressing dual-task challenges in individuals with glaucoma.