<p> Previous studies have linked poor cognitive-motor dual-task performance to increased fall risk in older adults. However, the degree to which cognition and vision influence gait is disputed. The current study investigated the impact of two executive function tasks (working memory versus executive inhibition) and peripheral vision on gait performance during dual-task in healthy younger and older adults. It was hypothesized that there would be an interaction effect between 1) cognitive tasks and age groups, and 2) vision and age groups on overall gait performance interference. It was also hypothesized that there would be a main effect for 3) cognitive tasks, 4) vision, and 5) age groups. Participants performed two separate cognitive tasks (serial subtraction by 3s and a Stroop task) while walking under a normal-vision and peripheral vision-loss condition. Gait parameters were measured under single and dual task conditions. Results showed that the Stroop task produced greater gait interference for all age groups and vision conditions. Also, older adults had greater gait interference compared to younger adults, regardless of the type of concurrent cognitive tasks. Findings from this study can be implemented into fall prevention programs in community-dwelling and clinical populations. </p><p>
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:PROQUEST/oai:pqdtoai.proquest.com:10690926 |
| Date | 03 February 2018 |
| Creators | Suen, Meagan M. C. |
| Publisher | California State University, Long Beach |
| Source Sets | ProQuest.com |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | thesis |
Page generated in 0.0018 seconds