Dual-task gait assessment using n-back testing during self-paced treadmill walking in virtual reality: reliability...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Human Movement Science
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Dual-task gait paradigms are crucial for assessing cognitive-motor integration.
• Methodological inconsistencies in current paradigms hinder reliable baseline findings in healthy adults.
• This variability complicates the interpretation of dual-task effects in clinical populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reliability and baseline gait characteristics of a novel dual-task paradigm.
• The paradigm combines virtual reality (VR)-based self-paced treadmill walking with modulated working memory load.
• To establish a robust reference profile in healthy adults for future clinical studies.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-three healthy adult males participated in two gait assessment sessions.
• Participants walked on a self-paced treadmill in a non-immersive VR environment.
• Gait was assessed under single-task, 1-back, and 2-back dual-task conditions.

Main Results:

• Most spatiotemporal gait parameters showed good between-session consistency.
• No significant differences were found across sessions or task conditions (p ≥ 0.05).
• A modest reduction in step length was observed during dual-task walking, with gait measures adapting to cognitive load.

Conclusions:

• The VR dual-task gait protocol demonstrates stability and repeatability in healthy adults after familiarization.
• This study provides essential baseline characterization and reliability data.
• Findings support future research on clinical sensitivity, diagnostic utility, and intervention responsiveness in patient populations.