Prioritizing gait in dual-task conditions in people with Parkinson's

Post-Stroke Functional Changes: In-Depth Analysis of Clinical Tests and Motor-Cognitive Dual-Tasking Using Wearable Sensors

Clinical tests like Timed Up and Go (TUG) facilitate the assessment of post-stroke mobility, but they lack detailed measures. In this study, 21 stroke survivors and 20 control participants underwent TUG, sit-to-stand (STS), and the 10 Meter Walk Test (10MWT). Tests incorporated single tasks (STs) and motor-cognitive dual-task (DTs) involving reverse counting from 200 in decrements of 10. Eight wearable motion sensors were placed on feet, shanks, thighs, sacrum, and sternum to record kinematic data. These data were analyzed to investigate the effects of stroke and DT conditions on the extracted features across segmented portions of the tests. The findings showed that stroke survivors (SS) took 23% longer for total TUG (p < 0.001), with 31% longer turn time (p = 0.035). TUG time increased by 20% (p < 0.001) from STs to DTs. In DTs, turning time increased by 31% (p = 0.005). Specifically, SS showed 20% lower trunk angular velocity in sit-to-stand (p = 0.003), 21% longer 10-Meter Walk time (p = 0.010), and 18% slower gait speed (p = 0.012). As expected, turning was especially challenging and worsened with divided attention. The outcomes of our study demonstrate the benefits of instrumented clinical tests and DTs in effectively identifying motor deficits post-stroke across sitting, standing, walking, and turning activities, thereby indicating that quantitative motion analysis can optimize rehabilitation procedures.

The Executive-Function-Related Cognitive-Motor Dual Task Walking Performance and Task Prioritizing Effect on People with Parkinson's Disease

To safely walk in a community environment requires dual cognitive-walking ambulation ability for people with Parkinson's disease (PD). A past study showed inconsistent results on cognitive-walking performance for PD patients, possibly due to the various cognitive tasks used and task priority assignment. This study designed cognitive-walking tests that used executive-related cognitive tasks to evaluate patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease who did not have obvious cognitive deficits. The effect of assigning task prioritization was also evaluated. Sixteen individuals with PD (PD group) and 16 individuals without PD (control group) underwent single cognitive tests, single walking tests, dual walking tests, and prioritizing task tests. Three types of cognitive, spatial memory, Stroops, and calculation tasks were employed. The cognitive performance was evaluated by response time, accuracy, and speed-accuracy trade off composite score. The walking performance was evaluated by the temporal spatial gait characteristics and variation in gait. The results showed that the walking performance of the PD group was significantly worse than the control group in both single and dual walking conditions. The group difference in cognitive performance was shown in composite score under the dual calculation walking task but not under the single task. While assigning priority to walking, no group difference in walking was observed but the response accuracy rate of PD groups declined. This study concluded that the dual task walking test could sharpen the cognitive deficits for early-stage PD patients. The task priority assignment might not be recommended while testing gait deficits since it decreased the ability to discriminate group differences.

Fronto-parietal cortex activation during walking in patients with Parkinson's disease adopting different postural strategies

Background

Cortical activation patterns in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) may be influenced by postural strategies, but the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Our aim is to examine the role of the fronto-parietal lobes in patients with PD adopting different postural strategies and the effect of dual task (DT) on fronto-parietal activation.

Methods

Two groups of patients with PD adopting either the posture first strategy (PD-PF) or the posture second strategy (PD-PS) were examined respectively when in the “OFF” state while single-walking task (SW) and DT. Frontal and parietal lobe activity was assessed by functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and measuring gait parameters. Linear mixed models were used for analyses.

Results

Patients with PD who adopted PS had greater cortical activation than those who adopted PF, and there was no difference between PF and PS in the behavioral parameters. For oxyhemoglobin levels, the task condition (SW vs. DT) had a main effect in fronto-parietal lobes. Postural strategy (PD-PF vs. PD-PS) a main effect in the left prefrontal cortex (LPFC), left parietal lobe (LPL), and right parietal lobe (RPL) regions. In the task of walking with and without the cognitive task, patients with PD adopting PS had higher activation in the LPL than those adopting PF. In DT, only PD patients who adopted PS had elevated oxyhemoglobin levels in the LPFC, right prefrontal cortex (RPFC), and LPL compared with the SW, whereas patients with PD who adopted PF showed no differences in any region.

Conclusion

Different patterns of fronto-parietal activation exist between PD-PF and PD-PS. This may be because PD-PS require greater cortical functional compensation than those adopting PF.

Cognitive Function and Postural Control Strategies in Relation to Disease Progression in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

AIM

This study assessed the influence of performing an additional cognitive task on center of pressure (COP) displacement in the early and advanced stages of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) compared to age-matched healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS

The study included 40 HCs and 62 patients with PD: early PD (n = 38) and advanced PD (n = 24). COP parameters were determined by static posturography during quiet standing with open eyes (ST, single task) and simultaneous performance of a cognitive task (DT, dual task). Cognitive functioning was examined with a Mini Mental State Examination, number-counting-backward test, and number of enunciated words during DT.

RESULTS

In the advanced-PD group, DT significantly reduced the sway radius (p = 0.009), area of stabilogram (p = 0.034), medio-lateral length (p = 0.027), and velocity (p = 0.033) compared to ST. In HCs, DT showed a significant increase in the sway radius (p = 0.006), total length (p = 0.039), sway velocity (p = 0.037), anterior-posterior length, and sway velocity. Both PD groups showed worse cognitive performance compared to HCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Both early and advanced patients with PD showed significant delay in cognitive performance associated with executive function compared to the HCs. During additional cognitive tasks, patients with advanced stages of PD may reduce stabilographic parameters in medio-lateral direction, and this is probably an adaptive strategy to restore balance.

The effect of a multi-modal boxing exercise program on cognitive locomotor tasks and gait in persons with Parkinson disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disease resulting in motor impairments, postural instability, and gait alterations which may result in self-care limitations and loss of mobility reducing quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

This study's purpose was to determine the impact of a community-based boxing program on gait parameters, dual task and backwards walking in individuals with PD.

METHODS

This study included 26 community dwelling individuals with PD who participated in 12-week boxing classes (1 hour, 2 times a week). The focus was on upper/lower extremity exercises using punching bags, agility drills, and strengthening activities. Pre/post testing was performed for dual task and gait parameters and was analyzed using t-tests.

RESULTS

Analysis of the scores indicated participants performed significantly better at post-test compared to pre-test on self-selected walking velocity (P = 0.041), cadence (P = 0.021); backwards walking velocity (P = 0.003), step length (P = 0.022); dual task walking velocity (P = 0.044), step length (P = 0.023), and gait variability index (P = 0.008). No significant differences for fast walking.

CONCLUSIONS

Multi-modal boxing produced improvements in gait velocity, dual task velocity, step length, and gait variability, as well as backwards walking velocity and step length. These improvements may impact independence with functional mobility and may improve safety but require further studies.

A feasibility study of dual-task strategy training to improve gait performance in patients with Parkinson's disease

Gait disorders in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) impact their mobility and self-dependence. Gait training and dual-task (DT)-training improve gait quality. This study aims to assess the feasibility of a specific, gradually intensified DT-training for PD patients with a special focus on gait performance under single task (ST) and DT conditions. Correlations to Freezing of Gait (FoG) were examined. 17 PD patients (70.1 ± 7.4 years, H&Y Stadium 2–3, FoG-Q 9.0 ± 5.5) participated in a four-week DT-training (1x/week, 60 min) with progressively increasing task difficulty and number of tasks. Gait performance (spatiotemporal parameters) was assessed during ST and DT conditions. The training improved DT gait performance, especially gait velocity + 0.11 m/s; (F_(2,16) = 7.163; p = .0171; η²part = .309) and step length (+ 5.73 cm). Also, physical well-being and absolved walking distance improved significantly. Correlation analyses of the FoG score at baseline with relative change of gait metrics post-training revealed significant correlations with training-induced changes of step length and improvement of gait velocity. Overall, the developed DT-training was feasible and effective. Further studies should examine the long-term benefits and the optimal setting to achieve the highest impact. The study was registered in the DRKS (ID DRKS00018084, 23.1.20).

Altered prefrontal cortex responses in older adults with subjective memory complaints and dementia during dual-task gait: An fNIRS study

People with cognitive impairments show deficits during physical performances such as gait, in particular during cognitively challenging conditions (i.e. dual-task gait [DTG]). However, it is unclear if people at risk of dementia, such as those with subjective memory complaints (SMC), also display gait and central deficits associated with DTG. In this study, we investigated the effects of single- and dual-task gait (STG and DTG), on left prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation in elderly people with subjective memory complaints (SMC) and Dementia. A total of 58 older adults (aged 65-94 years; 26 Healthy; 23 SMC; 9 Dementia) were recruited. Gait spatiotemporal characteristics (i.e. stride velocity and length) were assessed using an instrumented walkway during STG and DTG. Single-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy over the left PFC was used to measure changes in oxyhaemoglobin (O₂ Hb) during gait. Stride velocity and length during STG (all p < .05) and DTG (all p < .000) were significantly impaired in people with Dementia compared to Healthy and SMC individuals. No differences were observed between Healthy and SMC. For STG, a greater increase in O₂ Hb (p < .05) was observed in those with Dementia compared to the Healthy and SMC, while no differences were observed between Healthy and SMC. A significant increase and decline in O₂ Hb was observed during DTG in the SMC and Dementia groups, respectively, compared to Healthy. Our findings indicate an altered pattern of cerebral haemodynamic response of the left PFC in DTG in people with SMC and Dementia, which may suggest that central changes precede functional impairments in people with SMC.

Improving Dual-Task Control With a Posture-Second Strategy in Early-Stage Parkinson Disease

OBJECTIVE

To examine the task prioritization effects on postural-suprapostural dual-task performance in patients with early-stage Parkinson disease (PD) without clinically observed postural symptoms.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study. Participants performed a force-matching task while standing on a mobile platform, and were instructed to focus their attention on either the postural task (posture-first strategy) or the force-matching task (posture-second strategy).

SETTING

University research laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals (N=16) with early-stage PD who had no clinically observed postural symptoms.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Dual-task change (DTC; percent change between single-task and dual-task performance) of posture error, posture approximate entropy (ApEn), force error, and reaction time (RT). Positive DTC values indicate higher postural error, posture ApEn, force error, and force RT during dual-task conditions compared with single-task conditions.

RESULTS

Compared with the posture-first strategy, the posture-second strategy was associated with smaller DTC of posture error and force error, and greater DTC of posture ApEn. In contrast, greater DTC of force RT was observed under the posture-second strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to typical recommendations, our results suggest that the posture-second strategy may be an effective dual-task strategy in patients with early-stage PD who have no clinically observed postural symptoms in order to reduce the negative effect of dual tasking on performance and facilitate postural automaticity.

Intervention modalities for targeting cognitive-motor interference in individuals with neurodegenerative disease: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Individuals with neurodegenerative disease (NDD) commonly have elevated cognitive-motor interference, change in either cognitive or motor performance (or both) when tasks are performed simultaneously, compared to healthy controls. Given that cognitive-motor interference is related to reduced community ambulation and elevated fall risk, it is a target of rehabilitation interventions. Areas covered: This review details the collective findings of previous dual task interventions in individuals with NDD. A total of 21 investigations focusing on 4 different neurodegenerative diseases and one NDD precursor (Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia other than AD, and mild cognitive impairment) consisting of 721 participants were reviewed. Expert commentary: Preliminary evidence from interventions targeting cognitive-motor interference, both directly and indirectly, show promising results for improving CMI in individuals with neurodegenerative diseases. Methodological limitations, common to pilot investigations preclude firm conclusions. Well-designed randomized control trials targeting cognitive motor interference are warranted.

Motor-Cognitive Dual-Task Training in Persons With Neurologic Disorders: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Deficits in motor-cognitive dual tasks (eg, walking while talking) are common in individuals with neurologic conditions. This review was conducted to determine the effectiveness of motor-cognitive dual-task training (DTT) compared with usual care on mobility and cognition in individuals with neurologic disorders.

METHODS

Databases searched were Biosis, CINAHL, ERIC, PsychInfo, EBSCO Psychological & Behavioral, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge. Eligibility criteria were studies of adults with neurologic disorders that included DTT, and outcomes of gait or balance were included. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria. Participants were subjects with brain injury, Parkinson disease (PD), and Alzheimer disease (AD). Intervention protocols included cued walking, cognitive tasks paired with gait, balance, and strength training and virtual reality or gaming. Quality of the included trials was evaluated with a standardized rating scale of clinical relevance.

RESULTS

Results show that DTT improves single-task gait velocity and stride length in subjects with PD and AD, dual-task gait velocity and stride length in subjects with PD, AD, and brain injury, and may improve balance and cognition in those with PD and AD. The inclusion criteria of the studies reviewed limited the diagnostic groups included.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

While the range of training protocols and outcome assessments in available studies limited comparison of the results across studies motor-cognitive dual-task deficits in individuals with neurologic disorders appears to be amenable to training. Improvement of dual-task ability in individuals with neurologic disorders holds potential for improving gait, balance, and cognition.Video Abstract available for additional insights from the authors (Supplemental Digital Content, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A104).

Protocol for a randomized comparison of integrated versus consecutive dual task practice in Parkinson's disease: the DUALITY trial

Background

Multiple tasking is an integral part of daily mobility. Patients with Parkinson’s disease have dual tasking difficulties due to their combined motor and cognitive deficits. Two contrasting physiotherapy interventions have been proposed to alleviate dual tasking difficulties: either to discourage simultaneous execution of dual tasks (consecutive training); or to practice their concurrent use (integrated training). It is currently unclear which of these training methods should be adopted to achieve safe and consolidated dual task performance in daily life. Therefore, the proposed randomized controlled trial will compare the effects of integrated versus consecutive training of dual tasking (tested by combining walking with cognitive exercises).

Methods and design

Hundred and twenty patients with Parkinson’s disease will be recruited to participate in this multi-centered, single blind, randomized controlled trial. Patients in Hoehn & Yahr stage II-III, with or without freezing of gait, and who report dual task difficulties will be included. All patients will undergo a six-week control period without intervention after which they will be randomized to integrated or consecutive task practice. Training will consist of standardized walking and cognitive exercises delivered at home four times a week during six weeks. Treatment is guided by a physiotherapist twice a week and consists of two sessions of self-practice using an MP3 player. Blinded testers will assess patients before and after the control period, after the intervention period and after a 12-week follow-up period. The primary outcome measure is dual task gait velocity, i.e. walking combined with a novel untrained cognitive task to evaluate the consolidation of learning. Secondary outcomes include several single and dual task gait and cognitive measures, functional outcomes and a quality of life scale. Falling will be recorded as a possible adverse event using a weekly phone call for the entire study period.

Discussion

This randomized study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of integrated versus consecutive task training in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The study will also highlight whether dual task gait training leads to robust motor learning effects, and whether these can be retained and carried-over to untrained dual tasks and functional mobility.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01375413.

Effects of explicit prioritization on dual task walking in patients with Parkinson's disease

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have difficulties performing a dual task (DT) while walking and may use the "posture second" strategy. It is not clear if this is a result of motor or cognitive impairments. We examined the effects of explicit prioritization of walking or the cognitive task on gait speed (GS) and variability in 20 patients (Hoehn & Yahr stage: 2.3 ± 0.5) and 20 healthy older adults during usual-walking and under three DT (verbal-fluency) conditions: (1) no instruction for prioritization, (2) specific attention to the walking pattern (gait prioritization), and (3) specific attention to the cognitive task (prioritization of verbal-fluency). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Frontal Assessment Battery, and the Trail Making Tests assessed cognitive status. The two groups did not differ on these cognitive tests. Compared to usual-walking, all subjects reduced their GS in the un-instructed DT condition. Compared to the un-instructed DT condition, both groups significantly (p < 0.001) increased GS when prioritizing walking and maintained about the same GS when prioritizing the cognitive task (p > 0.155). All three DT conditions increased gait variability in both groups (p < 0.001 usual-walking compared to uninstructed DT). Verbal-fluency tended (p = 0.073) to be influenced by prioritization in both groups. Task prioritization abilities were similar in the patients and controls, even though the patients generally walked more slowly. PD patients without cognitive impairment apparently utilize their cognitive resources in the same manner as healthy older adults. Both groups, however, use some form of the posture second strategy and naturally focus on the cognitive task.

A review of dual-task walking deficits in people with Parkinson's disease: motor and cognitive contributions, mechanisms, and clinical implications

Gait impairments in Parkinson's disease (PD) are exacerbated under dual-task conditions requiring the simultaneous performance of cognitive or motor tasks. Dual-task walking deficits impact functional mobility, which often requires walking while performing concurrent tasks such as talking or carrying an object. The consequences of gait impairments in PD are significant and include increased disability, increased fall risk, and reduced quality of life. However, effective therapeutic interventions for dual-task walking deficits are limited. The goals of this narrative review are to describe dual-task walking deficits in people with PD, to discuss motor and cognitive factors that may contribute to these deficits, to review potential mechanisms underlying dual-task deficits, and to discuss the effect of therapeutic interventions on dual-task walking deficits in persons with PD.

The effect of dividing attention between walking and auxiliary tasks in people with Parkinson's disease

This controlled study examined the effects of dividing attention between walking and the performance of a secondary cognitive task in people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr stages 2-3.5). Participants in the training group (n=6) received 30 min divided attention training in taking big steps while simultaneously performing serial three subtractions. Participants in the control group (n=6) received no training. Stride length, gait velocity and accurate enumeration rate were measured at baseline, immediate after training and 30 min after training under single-task (walk only or subtract only) and dual-task (walk and subtract) conditions. Data were also collected at training in the training group. Immediate improvement in stride length and gait velocity was found when instruction was given to participants to pay equal attention to gait and subtractions (p=0.001, p=0.05) compared to baseline. Short-term improvement in the gait variables was also found after training when compared to the controls (p=0.001, p=0.001). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in the accurate enumeration rate. Based on the findings, we conclude that divided attention can be used as a strategy to improve slow and short-stepped gait under dual-task conditions. Divided attention can also be used in gait training for short term stride length and gait velocity improvement.

The effects of verbal instructions on gait in people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review of randomized and non-randomized trials

OBJECTIVE

To collate and appraise empirical evidence relating to the effects of verbal instructions (verbal commands given by another person) on stride length, gait velocity and stride variability in people with Parkinson's disease.

DATA SOURCES

Cinahl, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PEDro, PsycINFO and Web of Science.

REVIEW METHODS

Independent reviewers extracted data from eligible studies and assessed methodological quality. The level of evidence was determined by best evidence synthesis based upon the experimental design, methodological quality and statistical findings of individual studies.

RESULTS

One randomized controlled study and 12 non-controlled studies fulfilled the selection criteria and involved 149 participants. Five types of verbal instructions were examined which included 'take big steps', 'walk fast', 'swing arms when walking', 'count rhythm when walking' and 'walk fast with big steps'. Best evidence synthesis found indicative evidence in support of the use of the instruction to take big steps in walking training for stride length improvement in people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease who are without cognitive impairment. There was insufficient evidence in support of effects on gait velocity and stride variability. There was also insufficient evidence in support of effects of other instructions on any of the gait variables.

CONCLUSION

The empirical evidence in support of the benefits from verbal instructions is weak. The evidence is limited to short-term stride length improvement from the use of the instruction to take big steps in walking training.