Haggard AV, Tennant JE, Shaikh FD, Hamel R, Kline PW, Zukowski LA. Including cognitive assessments with functional testing predicts capabilities relevant to everyday walking in older adults.
Gait Posture 2023;
100:75-81. [PMID:
36493686 DOI:
10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.11.015]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Dual-task (DT) testing reflects real-world walking demands in older adults but is not always feasible to perform in clinic. Whether clinical measures that predict single-task (ST) performance also predict DT performance or dual-task effects (DTEs) has not been fully explored.
RESEARCH QUESTION
What are the relationships between cognitive performance, functional mobility, and self-reported physical activity and balance confidence and ST and DT Gait Speed and Cognitive Reaction Time, as well as DTEs on Gait Speed (DTEGS) and Cognitive Reaction Time (DTERT), in older adults?
METHODS
Sixty-two older adults (71.5 ± 7.1 years, 17 males) completed cognitive performance, functional mobility, and self-report physical activity and balance confidence assessments. Three 1-min trials were performed: 1) ST Cognition (clock task), 2) ST Gait and 3) DT Cognition + Gait, with Cognitive Reaction Time (recorded during clock task performance via DirectRT) and Gait Speed (measured during walking trial via APDM system) recorded, and DTEGS and DTERT calculated, as the cognitive and gait outcomes. Six multivariate regressions were conducted to test whether cognitive performance, functional mobility, and self-report assessments predicted Gait Speed and Cognitive Reaction Time in ST and DT conditions and DTEs.
RESULTS
The Comprehensive Trail Making Test (CTMT) predicted Reaction Time in ST cognitive (β = - 0.525, p = .003) and DT (β = - 0.510, p = .006) trials. The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) predicted DTERT (β = - 0.397, p = .008). The 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) predicted Gait Speed in ST gait (β = 0.692, p < .001) and DT (β = 0.715, p < .001) trials. The Four Square Step Test (FSST) predicted ST Gait Speed (β = - 0.233, p = .034). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (β = 0.293, p = .027), 10MWT (β = 0.322, p = .046), and the FSST (β = 0.378, p = .019) predicted DTEGS.
SIGNIFICANCE
The 10MWT, CTMT, and MoCA can be easily implemented in the clinic and may be good choices to assess cognitive and functional abilities necessary for ambulation in older adults.
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