EFFECT OF SELF-PACED WALKING ON REDUCING COGNITIVE DEMANDS OF WALKING WHILE TALKING

Abstract

Although walking is considered an automated process, internal and external factors can alter gait performance. Fear of falling leads to walking with a wider base of support and decreased walking speed, due to a combination of shorter stride lengths and/or stride time. Exacerbation of gait deficits have been reported under high cognitive load situations (HCLS, also known as dual-tasks). Talking on a phone is considered an increased HCLS over talking in-person due to visualization of the individual on the phone. The purpose of the study was to explore the added effects of walking while talking on a phone compared to talking in-person. Fifteen healthy older adult subjects (70.86±4.7yrs) performed three conditions while walking on a self-paced treadmill for ten minutes: (1)walking alone, (2)walking while talking in-person, (3)walking while talking on a phone. Mean stride length(SL), stride time(ST), and step width(SW) were compared using one-way, repeated-measures ANOVAs (p=0.10). Dual-task cost of walking while talking in-person and on a phone was calculated for each gait variable and compared with t-tests. Mean gait variables did not differ between conditions (SL p=0.95, ST p=0.77, SW p=0.57). Dual-task costs were not significantly different between talking conditions (SL p=0.99, ST p=0.54, SW p=0.14). Use of a self-paced treadmill allowed the subjects to perform in their “comfort zone”, however, walking on a set-speed treadmill may force walking speed outside of the comfort zone, pushing one’s “reserve”, and revealing differences. Use of a self-paced treadmill better approximates daily life by providing the opportunity to make adaptations under HCLS.