Age Differences in Walking While Doing Two Things
Author Information
Author(s): Andrew W. Priest, Kathleen B. Salamon, John H. Hollman
Primary Institution: Clarke College
Hypothesis
Variability in stride velocity would increase in older subjects during dual task walking and that variability in stride velocity would be greater in older subjects than younger subjects.
Conclusion
Older women showed greater reductions in gait velocity and increased variability in stride velocity during dual task walking compared to younger women.
Supporting Evidence
- Older subjects walked more slowly than younger subjects during both walking conditions.
- Each subject walked more slowly in the dual task condition than in the normal walking condition.
- Older subjects showed greater variability in stride velocity than younger subjects during both walking conditions.
Takeaway
When older people walk and think at the same time, they walk slower and less steadily than younger people.
Methodology
Participants walked under normal and dual task conditions while their gait was measured using GAITRite® instrumentation.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to self-reported health status and limited demographic diversity.
Limitations
The study included only women and had nonspecific inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Participant Demographics
23 older women (average age 80) and 19 younger women (average age 23).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.040
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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