Abstract
Numerous of our daily activities are performed within multitask or dual task conditions. These conditions involve the interaction of perceptual and motor processes involved in postural control. Age-related changes may negatively impact cognition and balance control. Studies identifying changes related to dual-task actions in older people are need. This study aimed to determine the effects of different types of dual-tasking on the balance control of healthy older adults. The sample included 36 community-living older adults, performing two tests—a sway test and a timed up-and-go test—in three conditions: (a) single motor task; (b) dual motor task; and (c) dual motor task with cognitive demands. Cognitive processes (dual-task and cognition) affected static balance, increasing amplitude (p < 0.001) and frequency (p < 0.001) of the center of mass displacements. Dynamic balance revealed significant differences between the single motor condition and the other two conditions during gait phases (p < 0.001). The effect of dual-tasking in older adults suggests that cognitive processes are a main cause of increased variability in balance and gait when under an automatic control. During sit-to-stand, turning, and turn-to-sit movements under dual-tasking, the perceptive information becomes the most important focus of attention, while any cognitive task becomes secondary.
Highlights
Life is occupied by dual-tasking behaviors, such as walking while talking with someone or while taking a picture on the phone
All participants consistently altered their static balance and gait pattern in response to additional dual-task load, specific kinematic changes varied according to task conditions
Our results suggest that cognitive processes are highly involved in the increased variability identified during tasks where movement is under an automatic control in our sample composed of healthy older adults
Summary
Life is occupied by dual-tasking behaviors, such as walking while talking with someone or while taking a picture on the phone. Effective daily functioning requires people to share their attention resources between the cognitive and the postural requirements necessary to complete the tasks [1]. This ability to perform concurrent performances is known as dual-tasking. A decreased capacity to perform dual-tasking may reduce the person’s ability to participate in their life roles [2]. Upholding and improving older adults’ ability to perform under dual-task situations is an imperative goal for extending their functionality
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