Abstract
In this paper, a comparative analysis of walking patterns during different cognitive states is conducted, followed by the classification of our database into Fallers and Non-fallers; by Fallers we describe subjects with repeated falling history. Vertical Ground Reaction Forces (VGRF) acquired from underneath the heel and toes of both feet are processed and analyzed for that endeavor. The subjects underwent three levels of tasks: 1) Single task: Walking at self-selected-speed (MS), 2) Dual task: Walking while performing a verbal fluency task (MF) and 3) Complex Dual task: Walking while counting backwards (MD).The ultimate objective of our research is fall prediction among the elderly by characterizing the variation of time-domain feature of Gait signals. For that, walking VGRF is analyzed and tested for the existence of indicators of the effect of dual task on subject falling susceptibility, whether parametric or pattern-wise analysis. As a result to our work, dual task in Fallers VGRF signals were recognized at 74% while at those non-fallers were recognized at 85%. Most importantly, subjects with history of fall have shown more potential to change the way they walk while performing mathematical cognitive task.
Highlights
As a person ages, all physiological functions tend to decline in several aspects leading to serious physical and mental failures
As a result to our work, dual task in Fallers VGRF signals were recognized at 74% while at those non-fallers were recognized at 85%
A research study highlighted the difference in gait velocity and stride-to-stride variability between older, middle-aged and younger adults during dual tasks [10], concluding that gait velocity decreases with age while stride variability increases
Summary
All physiological functions tend to decline in several aspects leading to serious physical and mental failures. Recent studies evaluate the effect of cognition on walking patterns or Gait [4] [5] [6], showing that when the cognitive capacity of old aged people is reduced, they are less likely to acquire stability while performing other tasks. Persons may give a spontaneous reaction in prioritizing their attention, the magnitude and direction of the dual task interference will be influenced differently [7]. As stated by Plummer et al in [9], when old people walk, the dual task interference can highly limit their mobility and increase the risk of falling. It is believed that elderly falling can be predicted by studying the efficiency of visual coordination in dual-task walking [11]
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