Reliability of Stride Time Variability in Healthy and Demented Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Beauchet Olivier, Freiberger Ellen, Annweiler Cedric, Kressig Reto W, Herrmann Francois, Allali Gilles
Hypothesis
What is the immediate test-retest reliability of stride time variability while single and dual tasking in cognitively healthy older individuals and in demented patients with frontotemporal degeneration?
Conclusion
The immediate test-retest reliability of the mean value of stride time was good in both cognitively healthy older individuals and in demented patients with frontotemporal degeneration, while the variability of stride time was low in both groups.
Supporting Evidence
- Reliability of mean value was better while single tasking than dual tasking in cognitively healthy individuals.
- Demented patients showed better reliability while dual tasking compared to single tasking.
- Immediate test-retest reliability of mean value of stride time was perfect (ICC > 0.80) in both groups.
Takeaway
This study looked at how consistent people's walking times are when they do two things at once, like walking and counting. It found that healthy older people and those with dementia can walk steadily, but their walking times can vary a lot.
Methodology
Participants walked alone and while counting backward, with stride time measured using GAITRite® and SMTEC® systems.
Limitations
The short length of the walkway used to assess stride time variability may have affected the results.
Participant Demographics
69 cognitively healthy individuals (mean age 75.5) and 14 demented patients with frontotemporal degeneration (mean age 65.7).
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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