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Affiliation
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University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Physical Therapy, 1919 W. Taylor Street, 4[th] Floor. Chicago, IL 60612.. Electronic address: tbhatt6@uic.edu. |
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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the effect of distinctly different cognitive tasks and walking speed on cognitive motor interference of dual-task (DT) walking.
METHOD: Fifteen healthy adults performed four cognitive tasks: visuomotor reaction time (VMRT) task, word list generation (WLG) task, serial subtraction (SS) task, and the Stroop (STR) while sitting and at preferred-speed (dual-task normal walking) and slow-speed (dual-task slow) walking conditions. Gait speed was recorded to determine effect on walking. Motor and cognitive costs were measured.
RESULTS: Dual-task walking had a significant effect on motor and cognitive parameters. At preferred-speed, motor cost was lowest for the VMRT task and highest for the STR task. In contrast, the cognitive cost was highest for the VMRT task and lowest for the STR task. Dual-task slow walking resulted in increased motor cost and decreased cognitive cost only for the STR.
CONCLUSIONS: Results show the motor and cognitive cost of dual-task walking depends heavily on the type and perceived complexity of cognitive task being performed. Cognitive costs for the STR task were low irrespective of walking speed, suggesting that at preferred-speed individuals prioritize complex cognitive tasks requiring higher attentional and processing resources over the walking. While performing VMRT task, individuals preferred to prioritize more complex walking task over VMRT task resulting in lesser motor cost and increased cognitive cost for VMRT task. Furthermore, slow walking can assist in diverting greater attention towards complex cognitive tasks improving its performance while walking.
Language: en |