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Influence of concurrent tasks on gait: a dual-task approach
G Ebersbach1, M R Dimitrijevic, W Poewe
1Universitätsklinikum Rudolf Virchow, Department of Neurology, Berlin, Germany.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Performing cognitive or motor tasks while walking alters gait. Dual-tasking increased double-support time for balance control and decreased stride time during fast finger-tapping, suggesting shared neural networks for rhythmic movements.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Human Motor Control
Background:
- Gait is a complex motor task requiring significant attentional resources.
- Dual-tasking methodology is effective for studying cognitive-motor interference during gait.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of concurrent cognitive and motor tasks on gait parameters.
- To examine how dual-tasking affects gait patterning and balance control.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy subjects performed gait on a conductive walkway while executing various cognitive and motor tasks.
- Footswitch data were collected to calculate stride time and double-support time.
- Statistical analysis compared gait parameters under single-task and dual-task conditions.
Main Results:
- Concurrent memory-retention (digit-span) and fine motor (buttoning) tasks increased double-support time, indicating a shift towards balance control.
- Cognitive task performance declined during gait.
- Fast finger-tapping during gait decreased stride time and increased stride frequency, suggesting interference in rhythmic movement networks.
Conclusions:
- Concurrent cognitive and motor tasks necessitate gait strategy modulation to maintain balance.
- Interference between rhythmic motor tasks, like gait and fast finger-tapping, may occur due to shared neurobiological networks.