Effects of a Visual Distracter Task on the Gait of Elderly versus Young Persons
Author Information
Author(s): Otmar Bock, Rainer Beurskens
Primary Institution: Institute of Physiology and Anatomy, German Sport University, Cologne, Germany
Hypothesis
Do brief and unpredictable visual distracters have more dramatic effects on the gait pattern of healthy elderly subjects compared to healthy young subjects?
Conclusion
The visual distracter task degraded the gait of elderly subjects but did not affect young subjects.
Supporting Evidence
- Young subjects showed little change in gait after distraction, while older subjects exhibited slower pace and increased variability.
- Executive functions were poorer in seniors, which partly explained the effects of distractions on their gait.
- Vibration of the feet did not significantly alter the gait changes induced by distractions in older subjects.
Takeaway
When older people are distracted while walking, they walk slower and less steadily, but young people are not affected in the same way.
Methodology
The study involved 12 young and 12 older subjects walking in a hallway while performing a mental-rotation task triggered by visual stimuli.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the small sample size and the controlled laboratory setting.
Limitations
The study's findings may not fully generalize to real-life situations where distractions are more complex.
Participant Demographics
12 young subjects (average age 25.58) and 12 older subjects (average age 68.17), with a balanced gender distribution.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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