Effects of dual task on turning ability in stroke survivors and older adults

Hollands, K ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3691-9532, Agnihotri, D and Tyson, SF 2014, 'Effects of dual task on turning ability in stroke survivors and older adults' , Gait & Posture, 40 (4) , pp. 564-569.

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Abstract

Background: Turning is an integral component of independent mobility in which stroke survivors frequently fall. Objective: This study sought to measure the effects of competing cognitive demands on the stepping patterns of stroke survivors, compared to healthy age-match adults, during turning as a putative mechanism for falls. Methods: Walking and turning (90º) was assessed under single (walking and turning alone) and dual task (subtracting serial 3s while walking and turning) conditions using an electronic, pressure-sensitive walkway. Dependent measures were time to turn, variability in time to turn, step length, step width and single support time during three steps of the turn. Turning ability in single and dual task conditions was compared between stroke survivors (n= 17, mean ± SD: 59 ± 113 months post-stroke, 64 ± 10 years of age) and age-matched healthy counterparts (n = 15). Results: Both groups took longer, were more variable, tended to widen the second step and, crucially, increased single support time on the inside leg of the turn while turning and distracted. Conclusions. Increased single support time during turning may represent biomechanical mechanism, within stepping patterns of turning under distraction, for increased risk of falls for both stroke survivors and older adults.

Item Type:	Article
Themes:	Health and Wellbeing
Schools:	Schools > School of Health and Society > Centre for Health Sciences Research
Journal or Publication Title:	Gait & Posture
Publisher:	Elsevier
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	0966-6362
Related URLs:	Publication
Funders:	Non funded research
Depositing User:	K Hollands
Date Deposited:	05 Sep 2014 17:37
Last Modified:	15 Feb 2022 18:38
URI:	https://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/32352

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